101 Days to Be Encouraged

“He will bring the blind by a way that they do not know and will lead them in paths that they have not known. He will make darkness light before them and crooked places straight. These things He will do for them and not forsake them”
Isaiah 42:16


Dear Friend,

I went to go visit my sister in the Fort Worth (TX) area. She had just moved so I actually had to follow her there from my parents house in East Texas. I planned to visit for a week and then drive to Houston (for a meeting etc) and finally arrive back at my parents’ house but on the day that I left, my car began leaking oil. Me being as bold and courageous as I am( or just really set in my way to do what I wanted), was still going to drive the 4 hr drive to Houston but my oil light started coming on and people were telling me that I was leaving oil puddles in the driveways. I called my sister to ask for directions to just go back to my parents’ home from where I was. My sister gave me the directions…we hung up and I proceeded only to call a little while later: “I think I missed the exit what do I do, I asked?” She (what didn’t sound to confidently) gave me a different route to take saying that it will be quicker than turning around. I drove her way for about 45 minutes when I saw a familiar highway. I just knew that she was going to tell me to go that direction but when I called she told me to stay on course. I have to admit thatI argued a little because I was looking at the original highway that she had told me to go on and I was familiar with it. Her answer was, “I told you what road to take. Do what you want.” I decided to trust my sister; trusting the fact that she knew the city better than me and would have no reason to get me lost. I traveled down what seemed like literally a wilderness; a deserted pathway. Not only were there not any houses and businesses but I really didn’t see other travelers. I called my sister back but this time she didn’t even answer. I prayed, "Lord please let me make it.” About that time, my oil light came. “Lord, please give me a gas station so I can buy some oil,” I pleaded harder but He did better than that. He gave me a Wal-Mart. I was able to buy gallon size oil containers and get directions from the employee’s. (I was on the right path and it was quicker than turning around.) I made it home- safe and sound!

Friend I say again, “He will bring the blind by a way that they do not know and will lead them in paths that they have not known. He will make darkness light before them and crooked places straight. These things He will do for them and not forsake them” Isaiah 42:16. Maybe you are on a path that seems completely desolate, not everyone is traveling that way or things are completely different and based off of your own understanding, you feel like going a different direction but once again: God is in control! Rather the reason is because you missed your exit or this is just the way to go (because there are many stories where God redirected His people’s journey in order to save them) God is still trying to get you to your destination and you’ll arrive safe and sound! It might even seem like "no one is answering the phone but it's because you're on the right track. Also, along the way, He is faithful to provide you a “Wal- Mart”; a place to refill what you need and confirm that you are going the right way. Continue to “humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and in due time He will exalt you.” “Lean not on your understanding” but surrender and trust Him!!


“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction…..”
Matthew 7:13

Call to action: remain on the path that God has chosen for you and complete your assignment