Have you ever considered how God in His wisdom can re-direct your paths? He has a plan for your life and in His own timing He moves you to places and destinies as He chooses, all in accordance with His plan for you.
Last Friday evening, on the invitation of a friend, I visited a church in my neighbourhood to a Girls Nite Out event, part of which was a movie on Ruth the Moabitess.
The story of Ruth is not new to me, however, in a strange way, the movie made quite an impact on me. It helped me realize there is nothing like seeing a Bible story in animation, well portrayed. Not only does watching the film bring life to the story but it allows one to think deeply on relevant parts of one’s life. This is exactly what the movie did for me.
This story of sorrow, grief, redemption and prosperity was beautifully portrayed on screen. Its simplicity, trust, bonding and kinship came through loudly and clearly, and moved me to think of a situation of mine that relates to change as well.
As I reflected on Ruth’s change of country and religion, I thought of my personal dilemma of giving up pastoral ministry and moving deeper into my radio and writing ministries for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Years ago, I had felt a call of God on my life, went to Bible college and started ministry with leading seminars and workshops, and eventually got into pastoral ministry which went well for a time, then it began to collapse. Painfully, I began to see that such ministry was not for me and gave it up.
Giving up pastoral ministry after eighteen years was not an easy decision for me. I had toyed with the idea and seeking direction from above for about three years, until finally, circumstances dictated that I could no longer carry on ministry to God in that capacity.
Now, through my writing ministry and the spoken word on The Revealing Word radio broadcast, every Sunday morning at 8:30 on JOY 1250 AM, I am more used of God in a general and outreach manner, ministering to more people than ever before, and with a deeper sense of fulfillment in my heart.
Let us get back to Ruth. She could have become rebellious because of losing her husband and avoided the company of Naomi, thinking it would help her forget her grief, but in obedience to the Lord’s leading, Ruth went with her mother in law into a new experience and a new life. It was a matter of what we commonly call destiny, but from a spiritual point of view we would call it the fruitage of obedience and trust.
God knows what is highest and best for each of us and I have come to see that when He wants to re-direct our paths He first causes change in our hearts. Then comes the challenge of giving up what we once cherished, and going in His direction. However, as we learn to yield to the deep urges that rise up within our hearts, we come to realize it is God’s leading and direction.
Like Ruth, I followed the deep urges of my heart and discovered that our God is a God of divine destiny. I have discovered too, that there is really nothing to fear when we trust God. When we roll our burdens over to Him with the full understanding that He is in charge of our lives it is then easier for us to walk the paths that He has directed for us. We then better understand the ups and downs of the cycles and seasons of this life.
Psalm 143:8 says it all about divine destiny: ”Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning for in thee do I put my trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto thee.”
SPEAK THE WORD: “Heavenly Father, I thank you for your guiding hand in my life. Amen.”
May the Lord richly bless you with His peace, love and harmony for ever.
Monica
