Mark Well Your Path

One week ago today I heard a message that really hit home. I was at the Arise women's conference at my church. The speaker--Holly Wagner. I hadn't heard her before, but I'm a huge fan now.

I'm so glad I was at church for that conference, but to be honest with you, that was my second choice place to be. Only because I had wanted to catch a last minute flight to Portland to be at a celebration of life service for a dear friend.

I couldn't make the memorial, but my heart and mind stayed with this beloved family enduring a difficult loss.

As I type this, tears sting my eyes. I'm so angry that cancer is such a thief. I know with my whole heart that God remains God--He is faithful. He did not cause the cancer. But, still I hate cancer. I really do. And I know I'm not alone.

As terrifying and terrible as cancer is, God works in the midst. He's a living, good God. I know He sometimes chooses to heal our earthly bodies and other times he chooses to bring us home. But here's the thing...here's what inspired me last weekend...

We are all on this journey--our challenges may look different and our storms may vary, but God puts us on a path--just for us--and He wants us to mark it well.

Jeremiah 31:21 "Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Mark well the path by which you came."

Holly reminded us: people are watching. There's a generation behind us that will follow our paths. We also have friends, co-workers, neighbors -- watching how we walk.

It does matter how we respond to God and others in the midst of our trials. Oh, don't get me wrong, God's grace abounds when we slip off our path or forget to place a marker. So often, that's me! Thank God for His mercies. I'm also not suggesting we wrap up our signs with bows and glitter. We should be real. genuine. Even messy at times. But, I was reminded of this amazing opportunity to give the glory to God even when our hearts are broken. How loudly that speaks to those following our paths. How well we can mark the way.

You see, I haven't lost my husband. He's still living on this earth with me. But, my very dear friend did lose her husband. In the midst of her great heartache, she continues to mark her path. She continues to give praise to God. She is not letting her faith waver. And people see God's faithfulness on her path.

I'm so proud of this family, whom I love. And this man who was lost on earth is alive and well right now...in heaven. He also marked his path incredibly well. He lived out his life priorities in this order: God, family, ministry.

I can just picture Jesus welcoming him home: "Well done, my good and faithful son." -Matthew 25:21

My friends, I leave you with this last scripture that is on my heart (thank you to Holly Wagner for sharing this in her message). Paul, from the New Testament, who knows hardship like nobody's business, writes:

"In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind...we faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us...we serve God whether people honor us or despise us...our hearts ache, but we always have joy." --2 Corinthians 3-10

Love to you!