Fresh Paths

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Romans 11:33

At Show Low Lake I discovered this dusty path below the road. At the beginning you cannot see where this path leads. Embarking on a lone hike, I enjoyed the beauty of the pines and green grasses, but there were lots of flying bugs springing off the trail with each footstep. I don’t like bugs. But I really wanted to see where this path was leading. With trepidation I continued not knowing what was ahead. Soon big lizards scattered in every direction with each footstep. I surmised not many feet had met this trail!

As I continued down the path appreciating the wildflowers, pretty blue-gray rocks covered in lichen lined the trail. But the best surprise was ahead. Rounding a corner, this expansive view of a winding stream set against the rocks, pines and blue sky greeted me. Nostalgia flooded me as I remembered the stream I played in as a child. Joy and peace flowed through me at the sight of this meandering water path. It was worth the discomfort of the unknown and inconvenience of creepy creatures. I was glad for the fresh path which lead to an unexpected spiritual blessing.

 Sometimes we are sent on fresh paths of which we cannot see the ending. But we need to follow them. This is true in our lives and in the church. We must be willing to endure the unknown and discomfort to see what God has in store for us next! Romans reminds us that we cannot know what paths God is leading us through, but we have faith that God is with us every step of the way. We trust God so we can experience the riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge on the fresh path. Martin Luther’s prayer that got us through the pandemic comes to mind:

O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

³⁶ For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:36

Pastor Andrea