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This week's focus: Guidance

The ad read in bold letters, “Join us for a night hike! The sun is down, the critters are out, and we’re ready to stroll!” Having never done something like this before, I signed my family up, excited to try something new.

On the night of the hike, we arrived with flashlights, surrounded by about thirty other hikers who wanted to experience the State Park after the sun fell. About ten minutes into the hike, we followed the trail guides through a creek bed filled with ankle-deep water. Then, after an hour of hiking in circles with sore feet and soaking socks, I noticed the two guides leading us, arguing over which way to go—the terrain can look very different at night. As we stood around waiting for guidance, my husband kicked himself for not studying the map beforehand like he always does. He and I wrongly assumed it wasn’t necessary since experienced professionals were leading the way.

We live in a world surrounded by self-proclaimed “experts” and professionals who expect the masses to follow and trust their guidance without question. The downside is we enter dangerous territory when we allow others to think for us. When this happens, we shouldn’t be surprised when we wind up lost.

In the book of Acts, we find a fantastic compliment encouraging individual examination and investigation when we read, “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

After Paul and Silas preached the gospel to the Jews in Berea, they eagerly welcomed their words while at the same time researching for themselves. As they sought the Lord daily, the evidence led them straight to Jesus, and many believed.

God has graciously given us a perfect road map that will keep us on the right path, but, like the Bereans, we must examine the scriptures—not occasionally—but daily. As darkness descends on our nation, we must arm ourselves with the wisdom found in the Bible so we won’t follow those who are ignorant of the truth it contains.

The world looks a lot different at night. When the sun goes down and the wolves come out, we must not forget in the dark what we learned in the light. By seeking, studying, and hiding God’s word in our hearts, it will be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

Only then will we be prepared and ready.

by: Jennifer McAlister for My Faith Votes