"The Road" - A devotional for Monday

During my time in the Boy Scouts I planned many camping trips. I was meticulous in my packing list...if anything was going to happen on the trail, I was going to be ready for it. Map, compass, food, water, socks, and my boy scout manual were all in my over-sized pack. I knew that no matter how hard the trail was...the destination would be worth it!

God wants all of us to hit the trail this week...He wants us to lace up our boots and get ready for a walk that all of us need to take... but you might have some questions...

1. Where is God taking me?

Where is God leading your life? Maybe better stated, where do you think He's leading your life? Many of us either don't know where we're going or how to hear God's voice to follow it. This week, we're going to find one of the destinations that God has in mind for us...happiness.

2. Does God know where he is going?

Yes. Always. God always has a plan...even when it seems as though you are just wandering around...and things are happening to and around you...God ALWAYS has a plan for your life!

Jer. 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

3. Does God have enough supplies?

Psalm 50:10-12
"For all the animals of the forest are mine,
and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know every bird on the mountains,
and all the animals of the field are mine.
If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for all the world is mine and everything in it.

God has it all... and wants to give it to you on your journey to happiness...

4. Do we have to go up hill?

Why does the trail to happiness have to take us uphill? Through the hard stuff? Why can't we just cruise on down to being happy all the time...? Let's look at this verse:

Mark 8:34-35 "Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 35 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it."

The path to happiness means we follow Jesus...at all costs...we pick up our burdens and keep following Him...and trusting Him.

This week, we're going on a journey. I don't know where you're starting from...but I know where God wants you to be....the land of true happiness.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian