“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
I love this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. There have been many times when God has asked me to deviate from the path that others take.
Life outside the path, where you are carving your unique path and leaving a trail for others to follow can at times be confusing and lonely. Carving your own trail means that you are not an apprentice to anyone, learning the tools necessary for your craft.
The apostles must have felt confused and alone at times as they blazed the trail for the first generation of Jesus Followers. There was great discussion about allowing Gentiles into the fold until God sent a vision to Peter. Ananias was confused when He heard the Lord tell him to go find Saul/Paul at the time of his conversion.
God sent another vision and gave Ananias clear instructions.
“But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;’” Acts 9:15
“So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 9:17
Point #1: God makes a way when there seems to be no way.
Point #2: God gives you sight and fills you with His Spirit when you are in need.
The Holy Spirit is the best teacher we have.
“‘But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.’” John 14:26
Later in chapter of Acts, it is Barnabas who takes Paul under his wing and assures the rest of the disciples that Saul’s conversion is real and Saul can be trusted. (Acts 9:27)
Point #3 You may be on your own unique path, but God will bring cheerleaders and helpers along the way to assist you in your journey.
Finally, remember that you are God’s masterpiece, created to do the work He has asked of you. You have the raw materials needed, even if there is training, stretching, and practice involved to get to the next step of God’s big audacious dream.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. “ Ephesians 2:10
Jesus is your trailblazer. He walks before you to clear the way and show you where to place your feet every step of the way.
Point #4 Rely on Jesus to carve out the path you walk. He knows your destination and exactly how to get you there.
Yes, it may be confusing and a little intimidating to carve out your unique trail, but your greatest cheerleader is the One who created you with exactly what you need in order to live a life flourishing in who He created you to be, doing what He created you to do,