Proverbs 4:11-12 in the NIV says,” I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.”
When you first look at the beginning of these verses, it feels like something is missing. How many of you tried to put the word “will” in front of “guide”? It doesn’t say He will guide us…it says He guides. It’s not a promise that will happen in the future. It’s the present reality for each day. So why doesn’t it always feel like He is guiding us in the moment?
When walking through a parking lot parents grab the hands of the children and make sure they stay on the path that is clear and safe. They don’t want any chance of them straying into danger. This is difficult at times because kids are curious by nature and want to see all the things around them. They are easily distracted and may not remember how to get to the car. What kids don’t realize is that the parents know how to get to the car and see the other potential dangers around them. This is what God does for us, when we let Him. Look at the verse written in The Passion translation, “I have taken you by the hand in wisdom’s ways, pointing you to the path of integrity. Your progress will have no limits when you come along with me, and you will never stumble as you walk along the way.”
This explains how God the Father takes us as his children by the hand to lead us in His wisdom. His wisdom, not ours and what our eyes want to see. The promise when we hold His hand is that our progress isn’t limited, and we will not stumble. He gets us where we need to be without having to start over or get mired down in mistakes. When we hold firmly to His hand, we continue on the path He has for us and avoid costly distractions. There will be obstacles because the enemy comes to get us distracted. Like the parent in the parking lot, God doesn’t let go or let us get off track. He helps us thrive on our journey, not just merely survive!
Nae's Notes 