When We Don’t Know Which Path to Take

from Pat Morley

Volume 240
July 23, 2007

Recently I wrote an article about going through a spiritual crisis/renewal of the 90 day variety. Once that was behind me, however, I was still confused about direction. This is from my personal journal on July 3, 2007. I shared it with our staff and they liked it, so here it is….

WHEN I DON’T KNOW WHICH PATH TO TAKE: I am no longer in a spiritual crisis. I am, however, still discouraged. Why? Because I do not know what path to take—there are many paths, You do not say clearly which path to take, and when I try different ones I am turned back to this same place where I now stand.

My discouragement is not a question of faith, but the weariness of waiting for a sign of God’s favor. All around me are others also looking for a touch from the gracious hand of God (because of my state of spirit, I can see them more clearly).

Where are you, my Lord? Why do you leave your servants in need and want? Why do you leave your faithful ones in pain? As I wait I do not even know how or what to pray for, but your Spirit will pray on my behalf with groans so deep that words cannot capture the intensity of His care and concern. But you know what the Spirit is saying. And all His groans are in harmony with your will. You are working all things together for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purpose.

I believe this. I will trust in you with all my heart and do not depend on what I can understand. I will acknowledge you in each of my ways—seeking your will in all I do and every step I take. And, as your Holy Word says, I cling to the promise that you will direct those steps and show me which path to take.

What other options do I have? For there are many doors and gates and paths. But you alone hold the key ring for the door that is marked “the way.” You have put an “X” on the gate to true life and peace. And you will show me the right path to take. On this I have staked my life.

In the meantime, protect me, O God, from becoming restless and striking out on my own. Keep me from the sins of King Saul. I have seen so many men break ranks and they have never been quite the same again. Instead, let me see the horses and chariots of fire that Elisha saw! Give me the strength and wisdom to wait patiently upon you. July 3, 2007

That’s now about three weeks ago. The fog has continued to slowly burn off. The path keeps becoming more visible. He has been keeping me from the sins of Saul.

On July 18, 2007, I wrote, “WIDSOM: I have the will to do your will. I have the determination. You have recently graced me with the patience to wait for your will. Now, O God, all that remains is the wisdom to know what you want me to do. Knowing that your sovereign will always prevails is my greatest comfort. In your time and in your name and for your glory.”

• So here are the phases and steps....
• The will to do his will
• The determination to do his will
• The patience to wait for him to reveal his will
• The wisdom to know what to do (to discern his will)
• Faith in the sovereignty of God (to trust his will)

What choice do we have except to wait upon Him? He is good. To whom (or what) else can we go?

For the glory of Christ and no other reason,

Pat Morley, Ph.D.