* Blazing a Trail

I will go before you and make the crooked places straight...
Isaiah 45:2a NKJV

Have you ever taken a path that wasn't a paved road or sidewalk? Have you walked a trail through the woods or a campground? You know the trail was made because many people walked that same path. I love going through an old neighborhood and seeing a worn path between two houses. You know they have forged a friendship and the trail is the proof.

In business, we often refer to leaving a paper trail - one that can help us to determine where we started, where we've been and hopefully, point us in a good direction for the next time we go that way. It matters not the kind of trail, the one thing they all have in common is that someone had to make the first step.

Scripture instructs us to comfort others with the comfort we have received from the Lord (2nd Corinthians 1:4). I believe that extends to all areas of our lives - sharing knowledge, best way practices, lending a hand, etc. So think about this for a moment. Think about the last trial of your faith that you walked through - where you packed the grass a little tighter, leaving impressions of your knees. Left pieces of you among the rocks. You are able now to help the next person navigate that trail.

With that in mind, think about the one you're walking now. Step a little stronger - walk with a little more purpose. You're leaving footprints for those coming after you. Take note of the prayers and Scriptures that give you sustenance for this part of the journey. Leave landmarks.

Jesus walked it first and showed us the way. Help to make the way more clearly defined for those coming after you. Whether it's the heat of adversity, the fire of our passion, or following hot on the footsteps of Jesus, we're blazing a trail for those coming after us, so let's follow Jesus. He's never lost and He makes the crooked ways straight. 

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for being the original GPS. Thank You for Your mercy and Your grace and Your forgiveness that redeems us so we are not eternally lost when we miss the way. Help us, Father, to follow more closely in Your footsteps. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen