There I was, driving down Keele Street, nearly late for an appointment, but sure that I could find the cemetery to take that one remaining photograph before I went on. I was sure of the location; I had been there many times before — but why was I not seeing it? Yes, the wrought iron fencing did make it hard to spot until one was right on it, but now I was at Steeles. Why had I not passed by it?

It was time to stop and take a look at the map. So that is why I couldn't find the cemetery on Keele! It is located on Jane — and I had been travelling the wrong road. Well, at least I wouldn't be too late for that appointment to which I was headed when I decided that I could squeeze in a stop.

As I continued to drive, a couple of thoughts came to my mind. So often we are so sure of where we are and what we are doing in life that we neglect to look at the "map" that God has given us. We neglect to ask Him for guidance as we travel the road of life. When we are full of self-confidence, we are more likely to be on the wrong road, just as I was so sure of where I was going that I did not look at the map before I left.

"Circumstances" are often God's way of keeping us on track and on time. As we move through life, let us be aware of God's leading and guiding. He does tell us in Scripture, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." (Psalm 32:8 KJV)

If I had found the cemetery and stopped to take that photograph, I would have been quite late for my appointment, and so "circumstances" — being on the wrong road — kept me from holding up others, which in the long run was a better thing.

We need to learn to pray, as Moses did in Exodus 33:13 – Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee. (KJV)

We know that we have received grace through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, so daily we can ask confidently for God to show us His way as we travel the road of life.

Prayer: Lord God, we come to You, asking for guidance and direction as we travel through life. Not only do we need guidance in the big things of life, but the little things are important too. Guide us, we pray, through Your Word and through the circumstances of our lives. In the name of our Saviour, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Ruth Burkholder <ruth.burk@sympatico.ca>
Stouffville, Ontario, Canada
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