I was so stinking lost.
The event was about 5 hours from my home, and I allowed plenty of time. I had never been to this part of the state before, so I put in the address before I left and followed every step. I was enjoying the drive, singing like no one was listening.
About hour 4.5 I started to wonder. Cities and towns were long behind me. I was climbing higher. The roads were winding and narrow. It appeared that a dead end was ahead.
Just then, Siri announced: You have arrived at your destination.
Except I was nowhere near my destination. I looked at the tiny sign almost buried in the grass, and gasped.
I was in the wrong town.
I had typed in the name of the city, not knowing there was a teeny tiny town with a similar name.
Just one letter different.
I had arrived at the top of a small mountain, with no people — at least none that I could see.
I typed in the correct city. I was two hours in the wrong direction! I was going to be late for an event where I was the only scheduled speaker for the evening. I turned around and drove down those narrow roads fast. I prayed, even as I broke the law. I tried to call the women’s ministries pastor, but there was no answer.
I had allowed extra time, but was it enough?
[bctt tweet=”We aren’t lost because we are following bad things, but because we aren’t following Jesus above everything else. https://wp.me/p4jbdw-4hN” username=”suzanneeller”]
When I finally pulled into the church driveway, the parking lot was full. The sound of worship reached my ears. My heart raced as I slipped out of my car and ran to a side door of the church. I saw a worried woman pacing in the foyer. I waved, and offered a weak smile as I hurried toward the bathroom.
I went to the bathroom, then glanced in the mirror as I washed my hands quickly. I was wearing worn jeans and a hoodie. It seemed like a good idea to travel comfortably when I had so much extra time, but now? I was a mess. My hair stuck up on one side from all the times I ran my hands through it, driving like the Tasmanian devil down the highway. I changed in three minutes, smoothed my hair in place, and stepped outside.
The worried woman greeted me.
“I’m so sorry,” I said. “I got really lost.”
“Are you ready?” she asked. I could see the relief on her face.
Lord, I’m in no shape to stand before these people. I’m anxious. My arm pits are sweaty. I got so lost. Yet here I am, and I know you are here too. Will you meet me? Anoint my heart.
The woman took me by the arm and we walked in together, just as my name was announced as that night’s speaker.
No one likes being lost
When we are lost, especially when we thought we knew where we were going, it makes our heart beat hard in our chest. Anxiousness crushes. All we want is to be on the right road. We want directions — good ones — and if we take a wrong path, we want someone to help us find the way back.
Being lost on a mountain dirt road is one thing, but spiritually we may find ourselves lost. Even as we show up for church or say or do church-like things.
How does that happen?
At first we might not feel a thing. We are singing at the top of our lungs, going our own way. And then we realize we aren’t where we want to be.
We aren’t necessarily lost because we are following bad things, but because we aren’t following Jesus over everything else.
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I believe that Christ is calling us back to Himself. Away from things that look like faith, but don’t necessarily look like Jesus. Away from a hyper focus on ourselves, to see the world the way He does. He’s taking us away from rules that make us feel safe, to a risk-taking relationship with Him.
He will help us find our way back
That night I shared the message God had put on my heart. I got lost, but Jesus used my life anyway. He didn’t hold one veer off the path against me and declare, “I can’t use her. She’s a mess.”
Instead, He met me where I was.
Do you feel a little lost? Hear His cry.
Follow me.
I have so much more for you than that thing you are following, or those things you think are so important right now. I see that cynicism and frustration. Let me take you by the arm. Walk with me. I have a plan for you — I always have, and the fact that you started down the wrong path doesn’t negate that plan. Turn around. Listen for my voice. Walk toward it. Let’s do this together.
Let’s see where He leads you.
And if you see someone else who looks a little lost, slow down. Take them by the arm. Ask them to walk with you, as you walk with Jesus.
Suzie
If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome.
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Walk with Jesus five days a week. Soak it in. Live it. Be changed forever.
This is exactly where I am right now. Thank you so much for these words of encouragement.
Praying for you. I’ve been there, too. Giving you a virtual hug 🙂
Thank you for your encouragement and leadership. I am starting to find my way.
Praising God for leading you!
There are times I feel lost and there times I feel confident I am on the right path. I think right now I am following a path where I am needed but not nexessarily where God wants me to be.
Donna, Praying that God will guide you to the choices that are the best for your walk with Him and for your service with Him. Lord, take away anything, even good Godly things, that block Donna from walking the path you have for her. Give her confirmation as to what you would have her do for your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.
Lord, show her where you want her to be. It’s so hard to distinguish that at times when there’s a need. Help her know if this was a season, or if there’s something different or somewhere you want to take her. If she’s exactly where she should be, fill her up. Anoint her. Give her what she needs for this season. In Jesus’ name.
I’m feeling SO lost right now. This came at a PERFECT time.
Pam, Lifting you up to our heavenly Father for wisdom, understanding and direction. Lord, each day I ask you make the path you have designed for Pam to become clear-help her to see how precious she is in your sight. Use the detours of her life to strengthen her walk with you. in Jesus name, Amen
Holding your hand from Missouri, Pam. Praying that you see the path before you light up like a Christmas tree! You. Are. Not. Alone.
Pam, a lot of things can cause us to veer off the path God has for us. Sometimes we aren’t veering at all, but just in an unfamiliar place. Ask Him to show you. He will, I promise. He’ll help us correct our steps when we’ve been going the wrong direction. We all need that from time to time, to realize that He loves us enough to show us the way back. <3 Cheering you on today.
Thank you Suzie. This is probably what I needed to find my way.
Praying you are able to look to Jesus to do just that, Millie! Cheering you on and hugging you from afar!
Oh, Suzie. This is lovely. Praying that God reminds me daily to look around me for those who need a friend and encouragement!
Happy book-release-week, friend!
The season our ministry is in right now, the road God is leading me down in my writing, the transition my family is in all have me feeling a little lost. I need God to hold my hand. Thank you for this message this morning.
Calvonia, if you are following Him, you aren’t lost. It may feel unfamiliar, but He promises to show the way. Praying with you today.
This story! Oh my goodness I can see every detail. I’ve been lost — physically and spiritually. Both are frightening and stressful. We have a God who sees us no matter where we are. What a relief to have certainty in Him! I love this story so much, Suzie. xoxoxo Thank you!
Life is so overwhelming right now that I am not sure where I am much less where I am going. It’s times like these that I lose sight of His hand reaching out to hold me up. He never moves from me even when I move backward from Him!
Father God, I pray for Darlene, life can be overwhelming but God is right there beside us. He is with you and will assure you which way to go. In Jeremiah 29:11 says, ” For I know the plans I have for you, plans for a hope and a future. Then in James 4:8 it says Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Beloved you are fearfully and wonderfully made in Psalm 139:14 so know you are loved with an everlasting love. Blessings Diana from the Care Team
Darlene, those seasons are hard. Reaching to give you a huge hug today and to let you know that you are courageous and brave, and I pray that your faith holds you close during this time.
Not sure how I wave my hand below. But I have loved meeting you at she speaks, and I love what I have read from you. I can’t wait to see the free sample and probably even purchase your book very soon. My heart longs to follow Jesus but I am so easily distracted from him.
Karen, Jesus longs for you, too. Father, we pray for Karen as she seeks you and “longs” to see you, but life distracts her away from you sometimes. I pray you help her focus on you and your ways. Place peace around her so she can settle into your love. Thank you for your promises and love. Amen.
What a great message today! I love the idea that even if we start in the wrong direction, or started on the right path, it doesn’t mean we can’t end up on the journey God has planned. We just took a detour – and maybe that was part of HIS plan all along!
Suzie, your messsge always reaches my heart – thank you. I’m “waving my hand” for the link to the devotional, as I’m already subscribed.
I’m really out of my devotional time groove and am feeling so scattered in my Bible study – I’m longing to be fed and be closer in my walk with the Father but can’t seem to find that intimate connection lately.