My two-year-old son Tate really wanted to walk by himself to his Pop and Gran’s house this past week.  They live a short ways down our dead end street and both my girls have always enjoyed walking to their house and spending time with them.  Tate had never walked by himself there but was determined to do it.  So, I let him go.  It was a trip he had made with his sisters or one of us many times – just never alone.  He got to the end of our driveway and looked for cars then turned right.  Little did he know I was following him – like a good dad ready to help him along.  He took off down the road as I stayed my distance.  A couple times he stopped as if to turn back but then kept going.  A couple of times he wanted to cut across a field to get their sooner but reluctantly followed the road he knew.  He looked back toward home a few times but never saw me.  The closer he got to the house the more confident he became.   I couldn’t help but think he was remembering the times we had walked or rode bicycles before, reminding him to keep going down the trusted path.  He finally made it to their driveway, walked down the sidewalk, knocked on the door, and walked inside.

As he walked I prayed some scripture for him.  Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”  I wasn’t praying he would make it to his grandparent’s house.  I was praying he would forever listen to the voice of the Lord – the Holy Spirit – for guidance in life.  Life would be like that road to Pop and Grans – a little uncertain.  Sometimes in life he would be unsure, fearful, and reluctant but he needed to press on and listen to God’s inner voice saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”  I pray that scripture almost every day for my life.  Another scripture I was praying for Tate on his short journey was Psalm 143:8.  “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”  O how I need to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the morning to show me where to walk that day!  I must give myself fully to Him in my thoughts, my inclinations, my supposed wisdom, my experience, and my desires.

Tate will need to know more than the way to Pop and Gran’s house in this life.  He will need to follow God’s will while making wise decisions and overcoming doubt, fear, and anxiety throughout many tests and trials.  Another Scripture that came to mind was 2 Samuel 22:31. “As for God, His way is perfect.  The word of the Lord is tried.  He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him.”  There is a trusted path found alone in God.  His Holy Spirit is our Guide (John 16:13).  I’m glad God is always present, ready to lead us if we will listen to Him.  Remember when life’s roads seem endless, uncertain, and winding to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.