Our Good And His GlorySample

One of our difficulties in remaining on the right path as we head toward our purpose is that we do not see the end. We get frustrated and feel lost when we can’t see where we are headed. Have you ever felt frustrated when you were driving and you got lost? Or have you been with someone who got frustrated when they were driving and got lost? Yet when a map, a GPS, or directions from a stranger pointed the way—the frustrations fell away. This is because reaching the end came into sight.

What happens to us, though, in following God along the pathways of His providential leading is that He doesn’t always give us the directions to the very end. He doesn’t provide us with the full-map view so we can see every turn we’ll eventually take. He gives us a glimpse here or a direction there, but rarely ever the entire picture. Thus, people often live in a perpetual state of frustration not knowing how each step, each day, each set of circumstances or conversations are leading to the right place. Without a full view of providence tied to a surrender to sovereignty, these frustrations can mount into an overwhelming cascade of emotions threatening you like an avalanche on a blizzardy day.

Friend, nothing comes to you that doesn’t pass through God’s providential fingers first. You have to know that. You have to believe that. You have to trust that. You have to rest in that. That mind-set will situate you so that you can respond to life’s challenges, setbacks and apparent randomness with a spirit of intentionality and persevering faith.

When you recognize the idiosyncratic elements of the invisible hand of God, you will discover the details and direction leading you to your destiny.

If you enjoyed reading about the pathways God providentially designs, learn more about Tony's book "Pathways." Simply click here. We want to thank B&H Publishers for these excerpts from Tony Evans' book "Pathways: From Providence to Purpose, published in 2019.