“but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead” Philippians 3:23b NASB

Let’s face it; sometimes we get stuck. Inhospitable circumstances blocking our way. Unexpected bills piling up and demanding attention. Work deadlines passing us by and all the self condemnation that brings with it, further paralyzing us from moving. A house that refuses to get up and clean itself and not having a clue where to start?

Worse yet. A country paralyzed in place waiting for a much dreaded election season to be finally over. In the midst of all the angst, relationships feeling frayed and uncomfortable. Social media, in fact ALL media piles on the sense of doom. And we stand…still. Not knowing where to look. Not knowing what to think. Not knowing how to start.

Beloved. We praise God that the One who knows the way forward is always by our side. He is ever our Good Shepherd, and the Light on our pathway to guide us. It is His sweet and tender voice that speaks to us, not from the wind or the fire or the whirlwind, but that still, small Voice speaking from over our shoulder: “This is the way….walk ye in it.”

His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. For even as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His thoughts higher than our thoughts and His ways higher than ours. And beloved, His ways are always LOVE.

Dan and I have said it to each other hundreds of times over the past 37 years when we are stuck, when relationships are difficult and painful, when hope is dim. We look at one another and say, “love is the only way forward.”

And inevitably we find a way. A door opens up. Resources flow again. Relationships heal and become even sweeter than before because they have weathered the storm. Jesus makes all things new. Jesus lights our path. Jesus is the love that guides our thoughts and decisions.

The greatest power that we Christians possess in this life is the ability, with Christ in us the hope of glory, to walk in love, patience and humility into a dark, angry and too proud world. In that way we bring life giving change to those around us. The light and love of Christ can be seen in us clearly and brings glory to God the Father.

Let us take each other by the hand, love well, and in the fullness of the Spirit, keep moving forward.

~ Debbie Ecker