Jeremiah 6:16

^“16 This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

And there you stand – at the crossroads of life! There are only two directions one must choose – God’s path or your own. Often, you stand silently, quietly, looking in both directions asking yourself, “Which path is best for me?” – all while God is pointing you clearly into His direction. Yet, the anguish is real! You begin to feel the weight of destiny falling heavily upon your shoulders. What if I make the wrong decision? I just can’t see far enough down either path to wisely make the call! You step into the center and turn both right and left; you find yourself rising up upon your toes if only to get a better look – a longer look down the roads. In your limits, you find that shading the sun with a shaking hand in hopes of seeing just a bit further was just as futile. Your legs cramp, your eyes glaze, and you collapse.

Yes, there in the middle of your crossroad, you finally reached the point of surrender. After wiping the sweat from your temples, you attempt to gather yourself, and you see an outstretched hand. You look up but the radiance is blinding. You therefore reach – you reach for the hand in faith not knowing exactly how you will get up or move down your new path, but all you know is you have to reach!

This “stranger” begins to dust you off, but you politely refuse, “Oh I’ve got it; thank you anyway.” Yet, the draw is inviting. In your confusion and embarrassment, you’ve yet to comprehend who is assisting you. You feel your strength return and after looking within yourself for answers to questions you’ll never understand, you finally see beyond yourself and you —look! There He is! Your Savior God pointing the way. He was there all along – it’s often hard to see what is right in front of you when you are self-seeking! Do not rely on your own understanding or judgement – it’s faulty at best!

The topic of crossroads has come up several times over the past two weeks. I have been in a recent conversation with friends over how God called them to a new location out of faith in ministry. This sounded all too familiar – actually emotionally overwhelming. My wife and I have a similar story of God calling us away from Dallas, Texas, a place where we truly loved and where our son was born, to grow roots back in south Louisiana. Wait, we said we would “never move back home!” It’s the classic “never say never.” The providential movement occurred as God continued to open door after door proving His way was the best way. We could not see far down the road nor even anticipate the bumps we would encounter along the way. However, His ways have proven true and right!

During our last few days on vacation, our family attended a lovely beachside chapel service on Sunday morning – the topic: crossroads and this very passage in Jeremiah. This was such a wonderful reminder of how God is truly always in control, BUT when we come to those places in our lives where we truly have to turn right or left, it is always best to seek His will above all things. Attempting to see with your humans eyes will forever be futile.

The amazing part is God is not just as that crossroad directing your current path. He is also standing at your next one waiting for you to arrive all while He walks with you to speak life and love.

Question: What is your crossroad story? Did you see God in it? Do you now?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta