Stand, Look, Ask, Walk & Rest

This is what the Lord says: 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

Wow - why didn't the Israelites take God's direction? The Lord offered them forgiveness from their disobedient ways, a new path and refreshment for their souls, but instead they chose to continue doing their own thing!

What about us? When was the last time we took a break from what we were doing, sought God's direction, followed it and found that contentment and rest for our souls?

Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed by the care and ministry to others, we might keep pushing ourselves until we are ready to collapse. God says that we need to stand still and consider the best direction to head in, go in that direction and experience His peace.

Obstacles to the right path:

• fear of stepping out of my comfort zone
• no one can do as good of a job as I can
• not open to change
• fear of the unknown

Just like the railroad sign at a crossing cautions us to Stop, Look & Listen for the train that is coming, we need to heed the Lord's advice in this verse as we Stop, Look, Ask, Walk & Rest! Resting in the Lord for His direction and strength will give us the tools we need to care for and minister to those God brings across our paths.