September 22

Written by Bill Grandi on September 22nd, 2022

This will be the last post based on The Trail by Ed Underwood. I’d suggest if you want to pursue this look at how to know and follow God’s will that you buy the book. It’s old enough now that you can find it for $5 or less. It obviously take a more in-depth look at God’s will and discerning it.

For this last entry, I’d like to “borrow” from the book the great recap that the author uses one of his characters to make. BTW this is written as a story of a couple who goes backpacking with a crusty, old firefighter turned pastor named Sam. Sam gives these lessons to them along the way. Anyway, here is the recap from pages 177-178.

#1- TRUST. God doesn’t need your strength to guide you, but you do need His strength to recognize His guidance.  Pr. 3:5-6

#2-RELATIONSHIP.  Make sure you’re all in for Jesus. Ps. 25:14

#3- INTIMACY. Stay within the circle of intimacy with God, and trust Him that you’re on the dot of His good and perfect will.  Ps. 139: 23-24

#4- TIMING. Live expectantly; God’s signature on events is timing. Eccl. 3:1

#5- PROTECTION. God’s will is a flashlight, not a crystal ball; walk to the edge of the darkness and wait.  Ps. 119:105

#6- ENCOURAGEMENT. When you wonder if you’re on the right path, ask God for a sign of encouragement.           Ps. 86:17

#7- COMMUNITY. Loners lose their way; trust the guidance of those who love you enough to tell you the truth. Pr.12: 15

#8- GRACE. All is grace; put one foot in front of the other. Pr.16: 9

My take? All is grace. If I follow Jesus with a heart that seeks Him, no matter what I do, He is there. I may bob and weave. I may totter. I may stumble as I follow. I may lose sight of the path. But He will be there for me and with me. He will protect me. He will encourage me when I need it. I need to surround myself with a community, a group/person I can count on to tell me the truth. And then trust that all is grace.

So ends the series of posts on The Trail. I pray it has helped you to clarify some things. I also pray it has challenged you to seek God’s desire (will) for you. I don’t need to say each of us are different, so one size doesn’t fit all. Carve out your own path in following Him.  And remember: All is grace.

The Trail: A Tale about Discovering God's Will

 

12 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ryan S. says:

    Thanks for the recap and the walk down “The Trail”. Looking forward to our next hike!

    Ryan S.

  2. Ed says:

    I admit sometimes God’s direction for me doesn’t make any sense. But then I’d rather trust Him for directions than trust myself!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      If trusting His direction doesn’t make sense, I would hate to think what it would be like if I trusted my own! Yikes!

  3. I’ve really been spiritually nourished by this series, Bill. Think I may have to get the book!
    Blessings!

  4. gail says:

    Great series Bill. So many good points. My take away, I want to be all in for Jesus, and soooo thankful for His grace. I may not have gotten everything right in my life, made some messes along the way, and I still have so much to learn. I did make the best and smartest decision of my life, I made Jesus my Savior, and ask Him to be Lord over my life. I look forward to my walk with Jesus everyday, I could not have a better companion.

  5. gail says:

    Great series Bill. Lots of great points to reflect on. My take away, be all in for Jesus. In walking with Christ, I can count on all of the above points to be shared with me through Him. To me, that’s the best life I could ever want to have.

  6. Linda Stoll says:

    Praising God this evening for all that grace poured out on us. May we have eyes to see and thankful hearts that speak gratitude.

    Weekend blessings, Bill.