A large portion of my job involves giving directions to people so they can find the clinic they need to be in. I've noticed that some people walk straight past the desk, with no eye contact and keep going on their way. I assume they have been here before and know where they are going. Others make eye contact, but go on over to the posted area map and appear to want to find the clinic on their own. Some folks come directly to the information desk and say "I have no idea if I'm in the right place or not." I'm always happy to help. I feel a sense of satisfaction when I've been able to lessen their frazzled demeanor and can send them in the correct direction, the first time. 

As I was thinking about this, I realized that is the way my relationship is with Jesus! Sometimes I've ignored Him and tried to figure out my own path. Pretending I know where I'm going. Other times, I acknowledge His presence and guidance. I read the Scripture, but it's more of an after-thought, or to get His "stamp of approval" of what I already figured out. //

God has given us free-will, so He will allow the superficial nodding of my head towards Him. However, I have come to learn and prayerfully live out that He wants to be with me. He wants to see me; face to face; heart to heart in an intimate relationship. He wants to show me the way. When I can't sense His direction, I need to press in more closely and wait! Other times He invites me to take that first step. Even in my uncertainty, He has been there upholding me with His strong arms and has not let me fall. 

This is a reassuring reminder from Jeremiah 33:3

"Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish." (Amplified Bible)

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.'"(The Message)

And this verse from Isaiah 30:21:

"Your ears will hear sweet words behind you: 'Go this way. There is your path; this is how you should go' whenever you must decide whether to turn to the right or the left." (The Voice)

Where are you today? Are you passing by Jesus; just acknowledging His presence? Or are you pressing into His heart and voice and listening for HIs direction? 

This post was prompted by Kate Motaung's "Five Minute Friday," which she hosts on the Five Minute Friday website. Kate posts a single word each week and each blogger sets a timer for 5 minutes to write and then posts, with very little editing. (Some weeks I have more trouble with that part than others and this week I had problems posting on my blog.) Check out the other writers on this topic!