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It's Only In God That I Truly Find Myself

Because of all the things this world has to offer, nothing can compare to Him. Of all the beauty this world holds, nothing is as beautiful as Him.

Sadie Stevens

Apr 17, 2018

Tampa, Florida

145

It's Only In God That I Truly Find Myself

Matthew Stevens

Sometimes I wish God would just dump a road map in my head

:a map detailing the dead

ends, the potholes; clear directions on the places I should and

should not go; where, when, and how. Sometimes I wish God would

just plainly tell me, “This is what I want you to do; and this is

the way and the time I want you to do it.”

But I know my nature (certainly, God knows), and if He were to do that, I’m sure I would come to depend on that map more than I would Him. My eyes would be so busy scanning it—making sure I don’t wander off my intended path—that I would forget to gaze fully at His wonderful face. I would be so busy examining my own course that I would forget to take His hand and lean on Him. I would probably rush ahead (despite all warnings) for something that was not yet meant for me, and get hurt in the process. I would forget that this life isn’t about having it all figured out and having the answer to my every aching question , but rather about the One who gave me this life in the first place . Everything would be expected, and I wouldn’t have the opportunity to have my mind completely blown by the way God so often shows up unexpectedly. I wouldn’t have the opportunity to trust completely in Him because I have no idea what lies ahead and how I am going to keep going.

You may disagree, but I would rather have God than a road map. I would rather go through that trial, blind and bewildered—only to be amazed by God’s undeserved (and unexpected) goodness and faithfulness. I would rather know the pain of falling, wondering what would become of me and if I would make it—and then, joy incomparable as I fell right into God’s arms. I would rather have to completely lean on and trust in God for an answer and for guidance because I have no idea what to do, where to go, nor how exactly this is going to turn out. I would rather face the unknown if it meant I would come face-to-face with my God, who makes Himself known to me. I would rather have a deep, intimate connection and closeness with God—to know His goodness and love—than know how everything will turn out. I would rather know the blessing of faith, for, “ Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed ” (John 20:29).

And thank God that He doesn’t just leave us on our own , expecting us to “figure it out;” but we have the guidance of His very own Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), the promise of His ever-abiding presence (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5), and the sealing and comfort of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14; John 14:16-18; 26).

— “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).|

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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