Proverbs 4:2 (NLT)

“For I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my teaching.”

The Young Tree and the Guide Ropes

There is often an uncomfortable friction that comes with guidance. Inside every human is a natural proclivity to resist external leading. Consider a young tree: a gardener sets it with ropes and spikes to ensure it grows straight. When the tree is young, it is flexible, but as it matures, you will often see it pulling against those guide ropes, trying to grow according to its own “lean.”
So it is with us. There is a natural tug in man to resist sound, grounded wisdom—often for no valid reason at all. This proverb instructs us: Do not turn away. Resist that “knee-jerk” immaturity that wants to operate counter to wisdom. The guidance in your life is bigger than you. It far exceeds your current understanding, and your lack of comprehension is never an excuse for your disobedience.

The Practice

Surrendering the Wheel
1. Trust the Architect’s Blueprint
Remember that Yahuah Elohim, the Creating God, knows the plans He has for you. He is not obligated to explain His actions while He is working on you. He is taking you to places you have never been; since you have no map for your future, how could you possibly understand the “why” behind every turn He makes?
2. Resign from the Driver’s Seat
You always have the “right” to drive. You can take the wheel, follow your own path, and listen to your own desires—but don’t! The greatest choice you can make in this life is to surrender your will, wants, and way to the Master’s divine direction. The painful choices we make to go against God’s direction are eventually called regret.
3. Board the Ark of Faith
Reside in the Master’s purpose for you. You will not always know where God is taking you or how He is moving. Our job is to trust Him and entangle ourselves even deeper in His Word. True faith is what you believe about God’s character, even when you can’t see His hand. Like Noah, we aren’t charged with steering the Ark; we are simply charged to step on board and stay there while He handles the navigation.

Today’s Declaration

“I lean into the ‘guide ropes’ of God’s wisdom. I reject the urge to drive my own life and I trade my need for an explanation for a heart of obedience. I am on board God’s Ark, trusting Him to navigate me to the place of His purpose.”

God’s guidance is for your good, even when it feels like a restraint. Today is a great day to make a Fresh Start!
God bless,
+Pastor Kris