Traveling a Winding Trail

It was a winding trail.

On the left, massive Seagrape bushes brushed against our shoulders. On the right, coral crags jutted out against the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. The waves splashed up as the coral and sand crunched beneath our feet. It was the most beautiful feeling to listen to the Hawaiian surf pummel the shore and taste the salty air.

My hubby and I continued our trek toward supper. “The restaurant is a short jaunt from your lodging,” they said. “It offers unique island flair,” they said. “They” were strangers to us but friends on an adventure, so onward we went.

We watched the sun dip behind the horizon and marveled at its luminescent rays. We took pictures along the way to preserve the moment. Eventually, the phone became our flashlight, illuminating the path for one, and then shining it back for the other. But then, the trail disappeared.

Stranded

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

~Psalm 119:105 KJV

Sometimes, we set out on what we believed was where we were meant to be, only to feel stranded along the way. Maybe we began our business with high hopes, but things didn’t take off like we thought they would.

The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:7-24) had hit upon hard times. When the prophet Elijah found her, she was down to her last meal. God sent Elijah to supply her with food. She also provided a room for Elijah during a drought. But one day, the widow’s son died. How she mourned. She must have felt the darkness close in. She was doing God’s will, yet she experienced the unthinkable.

God’s Plan Prevails

Often, we wonder where God goes when our paths grow dim. But the Bible says, “You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light” (2 Samuel 22:29 NIV).

Our path on the big island had grown cold. We could see twinkling lights across the bay but thought it couldn’t be our destination—it was too far away. We climbed up on the jagged coral and lava rocks to see where the trail was, then backtracked to try another route. It was dark. It seemed hopeless.

The widow’s route seemed hopeless. Sometimes, ours does, too. But God.

God Intervenes

Suddenly, God, you floodlight my life; I’m blazing with glory, God’s glory!

~Psalm 18:28 MSG

Genesis 50:20 provides the answer. Joseph’s brothers had dealt him an evil hand. Yet, Joseph says to them, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Joseph may have been on a winding trail, but God brought him to the desired destination in a way that helped others.

Yes, we did arrive at our destination. And Elijah raised the widow’s son back to life. And, yes, God has a plan for us. It may seem hopeless but don’t lose hope. God is at work behind the scenes to raise your heart from despair and bring glory to His Name. He will set your feet on the right path once again.

What do you need God to do for you? Ask a friend to pray on your behalf.

Lord God, when life throws me against the tide, help me to look to You for safety. It’s scary to feel stranded, yet You continually remind me not to be afraid. I trust You to chase away the darkness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: A Winding Trail: Sally Ferguson: All Rights Reserved