Day 11- The Exchange: 21 Days of Spiritual Swaps

Today was a big day.

My husband, daughter and I woke up early and, instead of sticking to routine, we decided to go to a nearby beach, with our best friend/ my daughter’s Godmother.

Before setting off, I was given less than an hour to get showered, dressed and grab breakfast… which meant I didn’t actually get chance to read my bible and pray, as I usually do.

After strolling along the beach, we then approached a build up of debris, rocks, old brick and stone. Instead of turning back, my husband decided to lead us over the rocks (he loves an adventure!)

We travelled on grass, gravel and sand dunes, before finally reaching a smooth path.

As I reflect on the day and our conversations, I sit here feeling prompted to write about paths.

You see, on our journey today, each one of us had a different path preference…

• My husband always travels the path less trodden, which has sometimes led us into a spot of danger… but it is always fun!
• My friend noticed the yellow flowers among the high-sweeping grass. She loved the colour contrast and commented on how nice it was to be beside open water.
• My daughter loved walking on the sand, holding her Godmother’s hand… and then her Daddy’s hand… and then my hand… and then her Godmother’s again!
• I like a smooth, clear path; I want to know what is coming and look forward to it.

Fun, beauty, community and steadfastness were represented in each of our path choices.

We all had a different idea of what path we would prefer to walk along. Neither one of us was the same.

Similarly, each of our lives are headed in a slightly different direction. We are unique. Who is to say what God has for us?

I think what I am trying to say is; your walk with God is your walk with God. No one can replicate it; no one can do it for you.

In the bible, Acts 10 tells a story of a man named Cornelius. It reads:

 About the ninth hour of the day, [Cornelius] saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.”  And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.  And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 

Acts 10: 3-5, NIV, my brackets.

Firstly, wow! This guy, Cornelius, is clearly devoted to God. So much so that His prayers have appeared before God as a memorial. This challenges me to realise that God absolutely hears and sees our prayers and our worship. He sees when we give a sandwich to the homeless, He knows when we sacrifice for His name.

The story in Acts 10 continues:

When the angel who spoke to [Cornelius] had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Acts 10: 7-8, NIV, my brackets.

Secondly, wow! Cornelius doesn’t hesitate before being obedient to do what God has asked him to do. Cornelius does not have a clue what God is doing, he doesn’t know why he needs to send for Peter. But he does it. Cornelius sends his best people and tells them their mission, exactly as it was given to him by God’s angel.

How often do we question God when He asks us to do something? Are we as obedient as Cornelius, when we don’t understand the path before us?

Do we give God our best, even when we would prefer another path, instead of the one he lays out ahead?

For me, I like the smooth and clear path. I like to know what will happen and when it will happen. I have been like this since I was a child.

And because of this, sometimes I can miss what God is doing. When I don’t understand where God is leading, I can make judgements and assumptions and get it wrong!

Trusting God, when you don’t know what’s going to happen or where He is leading, is hard.

Surrendering your ideal path is not an easy one.

But today, I swapped my idea of a perfect path and allowed God to show me that we each have different perspectives. I let Him tell me that my way is not the best. I let Him lead me to appreciate other people’s preferences, without judging them.

Ultimately, I felt Him prepare my heart for something new ahead. Something I haven’t seen before. Something that requires me to keep going and not turn back, even though part of me is wishing things could stay the same as they were.

I feel nostalgic for the good old days and excited for the things ahead, in equal measure.

I am believing that God has heard my prayers and I am trusting that He’s answering them.

Today, I swapped my same old, same old, for something new. Something unusual. Something… unfamiliar.

Where is God leading you?

Action Points

• What is your path preference? Are you always ready for a new route, or do you prefer standing on familiar ground?
• What prayers do you feel God has not yet answered? Do you believe He sees theses prayers as a memorial before Him?
• Where is God leading you? How do you feel knowing you are going somewhere you haven’t been before?