The Crossroads of Our Journey

Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:13-14 ESV).

New Year’s Eve is always an interesting holiday for me. For many reasons I am not drawn to the big celebrations to watch as the “ball drops.” I am not saying that somehow those celebrations are not good. I am simply not drawn to the crowds, often in the cold and wet conditions of winter. I have found myself most years sitting quietly at home waiting for the clock to chime, watching some of festivities around the world as a new year dawns. I am always a bit nostalgic as I think on the previous year’s experiences and wondering what the new path will bring. Some of the time I can echo the wonderful words of Robert Frost who wrote those famous words: “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” I have been writing a short storyline of grace these past few days. I have focused on John Newton and his wonderful old hymn, “Amazing Grace.” The truth I really want you to grasp today as we get ever closer to this New Year is that it must bring new anticipation of new mercies from Christ. That is the very heart of the grace of God. Newton in another letter to a friend, wrote, “With new years, new mercies.” He was so correct. So, this new year is an opportunity to pause on the path and to stand humbly on the hilltop of time to look back on grace received, to cherish the sustaining grace of God upholding us now, and to anticipate future graces yet to come. If you are planning to do something to “look back” so that you may “look forward” in your journey of grace, let me make a few suggestions. First, recognize that every failure of the past has been forgiven and is being used of God for your good (cf. Romans 8:28). Even when those things were simply mistakes of our own making, a poor decision, or a bad choice, God is still the almighty, sovereign God. He has not forsaken you, and all your failures have purpose in His good pleasure toward you. Second, use your thoughts of the future to pray, not fear. I find myself thinking most of my children and grandchildren at this time of the year. Each of them is at their own “crossroads.” How could they not be? They are being led by the same loving Father that I am. They are all at their own places of where a choice is necessary. It would be natural to fear that they may be hurt in some way by a poor choice. That fear is not from my heavenly Father. His word to me is that they will be eternally cared for and blessed with the same eternal life I shall have someday. So, rather than fear, use those thoughts to pray for each of them specifically. I hope you will have a very blessed New Year! Enjoy your celebration! Trust in the Lord as you take your steps along your new path!