Jerry and I have recently enjoyed following the culture of “Bus life” – a nomadic group of people that live and work on the road, moving throughout the country. Even those who are seasoned travelers are finding this particular year to be challenging. Many of those we watch are currently exploring the Pacific Northwest and the current wildfires are just the latest of circumstances that are changing the course they planned.
“It seems re-routing is what buslife is all about this year.”
Life is full of twists and turns and the need to make constant decisions. Re-routing is often necessary even when we are not on the road. Many of life’s decisions can be made without huge consequences, while others can change the course of our lives. How then can we even know where to begin?
“Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different than it was before.“
Scripture gives us lots of directions about how to seek direction. Here are some suggestions when you find yourself re-routing and unsure of where to begin:
1. Pray
– asking for God’s wisdom should always be the first step!
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
James 1:5
2. Seek wise council
– talking with others who have knowledge and experience can help us discern the right way.
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Proverbs 15:22
3. Plan
– take time to think through the wisdom and advice and create a strategy.
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?“
Luke 14:28
4. Move toward the goal
– a plan is of no use without putting it into action!
“Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.“
Ezra 10:4
5. Let go!
– trust God with all of it.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday Sun.”
Psalm 37:4-6
6. Allow God to guide
– seek His direction constantly and be alert for His guidance.
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!“
1 Chronicles 16:11
7. Adjust as directed
– be willing to shift and pivot as the Holy Spirit moves you.
“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’”
Psalm 32:8
8. Be thankful in all things
– even when it doesn’t go according to plan – believe that God has the best for you.
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.“
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Read this well-known verse today and strive to apply it to any decisions you must make.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6