A Roundabout Way to Ohio

Today I am getting on an airplane headed for Ohio.

A direct flight from Denver to Dayton is $100 more than a flight from Colorado Springs to Denver to Dayton.

So I got up early, passed Denver International Airport to arrive in Colorado Springs. I will fly back to DIA and then take the same direct flight from Denver to Dayton.

I wondered if I would be able to just get on the plane in Denver. Mason didn’t seem to think that would be a good idea. It’s a good thing the flight from Colorado Springs doesn’t take off until 9:15 a.m.

I will get to Ohio, just by a roundabout way.

There were several people in Scripture who, like me, took their time getting to where they needed to be.

The Israelites

In the desert for 40 years. Wandering about. Wearing the same clothes. Eating the same food. Walking the same roads. It must have been frustrating, but God’s lesson through it all was to learn to depend upon Him. Obey His commands. Live wholly committed to God. That is all He ever wanted from the Israelites, and that is exactly what He wants from us.

Jonah

Told to go to Nineveh. Chose not to go. Boarded a ship. Thrown off the ship. Swallowed by a large fish. Deposited by the same fish three days later onto land. Continued to Nineveh. Jonah ran from God. We are guilty of doing the same. When we are called to do something difficult, it is easy to run instead of depend upon God for the strength, wisdom, and desire to carry out the task.  

Paul

Doesn’t understand. Does not do what he wants to do. Does what he hates. Romans 7:15 can be confusing. “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” But aren’t we again, just like Paul? Doing what we know we shouldn’t and ignoring what we should? Paul urges us to be mindful of our actions and know that we have abundant life through the Spirit.

Well, I will get to Ohio in a roundabout way, but in the process I’ve learned how saints of the past have dealt with their own misdirection. Let’s learn to stick to God’s path. It will always lead us exactly where we need to go.

“My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.” (Psalm 17:5)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna