The Faith Journey Begins

Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, “We will not walk in it.”

~Jeremiah 6:16 NKJV

It felt like an ancient path . . . one I remember fondly.

The journey started when I was five and lived in Winter Harbor, Maine. My mother sent my brother and me to Sunday school on a bus the Baptist church sent out. 

Every week, I looked forward to getting on that bus. On the way home, we sang gospel choruses like “Heavenly Sunshine” and “Climb up Sunshine Mountain.” I joyfully participated as I watched the sun streaming through the windows as we passed the harbor.

Missing Church

In the spring of the following year, I developed chicken pox and couldn’t attend. My heart sank at the thought of missing church.

But by the next Sunday, I was better and looked forward to taking the bus to learn more about Jesus. However, my mom didn’t want me to go since my younger brothers were still sick.  

Undeterred, I pleaded, “Please, Momma, let me go!” It must have worked because I remember how proud I felt that next Sunday as I climbed the steps of the bus.

Finding Ways to Attend

Somehow, through all that, I discovered Jesus and continued, even as a child, to find a way to get to Sunday school even when no one else in my family wanted to go.

Returning

This past November, shortly after my mother’s homecoming, my husband and I went by the Baptist church in Winter Harbor to take a few pictures. I gazed at that old church, feeling so thankful for the first day that my mom had allowed me to ride the Sunday school bus.

The Faith Journey Continues

I am still taking steps down that path my mother started me on. I’m discovering more about God’s love and the path He has planned for me to walk in this life. It’s not without an occasional detour or two, but the Lord always leads me back to the right path and into Jesus’ arms to receive the fullness of His great love for me.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 

~Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

God’s Path for Me

The path my mother placed my feet on was both an ancient path and one crafted just for me. God knew who I was before I was born and what would make me stronger and draw me closer to Him. Just as He designed me to be His treasured masterpiece, He also planned my path. He helps me with life’s choices and showers me with opportunities to share His love. The giftings He’s placed within me shine as I glorify the Son. It was God’s goodness and kindness which kept drawing me down that ancient path. I’ve learned many lessons along the way from His Word and through His Holy Spirit.

God’s Path for You

God has a path planned for each of us. We have nothing to fear as we walk with Him and accept the opportunities He has given us to take. So many times, we want to turn back because of life’s storms or because of the way others have treated us. Often, these difficulties shatter our desire to trust. However, God proves trustworthy as we take each step down that ancient path that’s filled with faith. God designed for each of us to learn afresh about His goodness and grace.

The ancient path started with Mother’s decision, but now I revel in it. You, too, can step into God’s plan for your life because He is good.

Think about your first steps down God’s path for you. Reflect on how God has led you over the years and how He leads you today.

Heavenly Father, thank You for caring enough about me to make a path specifically tailored just for my feet to walk on in the spiritual realm and for guiding me closer to You. Open my spiritual eyes and ears to follow You as You lead me to do all that You’ve planned. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: The Ancient Path: Elizabeth Zacharias: All Rights Reserved