Smooth Paths (I):

 ^“For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands!” (Isaiah 55:12, New American Standard Bible).

This is the key Bible verse for the “Come and See” devotional today.

There is always a way to every desired destination. However, the enemy often creates roadblocks and barriers to hinder the progress of the people of God. No wonder Jesus Christ said: “truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”  (Mark 11:23, New International Version).

The only way for us to know if we are obstructed is to move forward. How else would we know whether there are obstacles ahead? Also, forward movement will indicate how smooth the path is, which will then suggest how long we need to reach our destination. If we drive along the road and encounter  heavy traffic, accidents, road blocks or diversions then our progress will not be as fast as it would be on a clear and open road. Our road to success, wealth, health, career progress and marital bliss must be free from obstacles if we are to arrive on time. The questions we need to ask are: how do we enjoy uninterrupted progress in every area of our lives and, how do we ensure that our journeys in life progress forward and we do not waste time going backwards?

Before we consider the answers to these questions, we should bear in mind that only God can allow us to make unhindered progress. The Bible states: “but the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” (Proverbs 4:18, New American Standard Bible). This quotation from the Bible provides us with an answer to our questions above: thus, God assures the righteous of smooth pathways in their journey, and He makes a way even where no way seems visible.

This strongly suggests that we have to be righteous and upright to benefit from the divine provision of unhindered progress. Thus, Psalm 37:23 states: “the Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (New Living Translation). Although none of us is righteous, we can qualify through Jesus Christ by appropriating His death and resurrection, being born again and remaining in Christ Jesus.  He is the only One who can lead us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. He ensures we walk safely as He makes every crooked way straight before us. “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron.”- (Isaiah 45:2, New King James Version)

Let us pray: “Father, order my steps to glory and liberty to the glory of Your name,” in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

This message was brought to you by Evangelical Ministries International (EMI). We know this message has been a blessing to you. Please share your testimonies with us by visiting our website www.evangelicalministries.org or contact us on info@evangelicalministries.org. God bless you!