Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”

Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV)

David’s Wednesday Word:

I have been at crossroads before.

When I retired from serving as an Army chaplain over eleven years ago, I started out as a math teacher at a local high school. I thought I could teach while also being involved in planting a church and serving as a bi-vocational pastor.

Things changed. I had a significant health issue that really kicked me hard. After only six weeks of teaching, I had to resign. I felt like I had let my students down. That decision was difficult.

When I retired, I had sought God’s direction. I had years to prepare. I settled on the math teacher option. I passed the required tests and was hired. I had a plan to become certified through a special program for veterans. Everything was going well—until it wasn’t.

When I think about what happened, it would be easy to say that God led me down the wrong path. After all, God knew that I would experience those health issues.

Well, it isn’t that cut and dried.

As I think about Jeremiah’s words, I believe I was following God on the ancient path where the good way was. I walked on it! But the good way can sometimes be a hard way. It was for me.

After I resigned from teaching, I discovered other paths along the same journey. I started my doctoral program, which eventually culminated in earning my PhD. I joined a team of church planters, which allowed me to reengage in civilian ministry. I also found a ministry to public servants that I am still involved with today.

According to Jeremiah, the problem for many people in his day was that they were willfully rejecting God’s good way. They knew the way God was calling them to walk, and they chose a different path. In doing so, they rejected the rest and blessing that come from walking in His way.

I never want to reject the good way—God’s way.

God’s way can be hard, but the eternal benefits far outweigh the temporary hardships that may come. Looking back, I can now give God glory for using a physical challenge to keep directing me along the ancient path and toward the good way.

Prayer: Almighty God, Your way—Your ancient path—is always best. As I walk with You, help me to trust You and find rest for my soul, even when the way is hard. Thank You.

— David Beauchamp
Temporary Ministries

For more Wednesday Words and other resources from Temporary Ministries, visit:
https://temporaryministries.org/wednesday-words/