And he shall direct your paths.
In getting ready for the third annual adventure race called the Muddy Buddy my daughter and I run in August, I prepared by walking and running up and down the local ski hills. Now in hot days in August of 80+ degrees Fahrenheit, I didn’t necessarily look forward to my training. But I knew to get ready for this race that is held at Afton Alps by St. Paul, MN running on flat ground wasn’t going to cut it.
The race is run on ski hills, sometimes trying to ride, but most times pushing a bicycle up the hill also as it involves two people and a bike. Training on level ground wouldn’t get me in shape enough for the real thing. As I would get out of my vehicle at the local hill to train I’d think of the Bible verse I had learned - Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to
your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” AKJ
Some Bible versions say “make your paths straight or make your paths smooth.” But as I meditated on this verse the King James or American King James says it best I think; direct your paths.
God knows that He shouldn’t make your paths too easy when your training to be a Child of the Kingdom. Following the least resistance in training doesn’t help you get ready for the race. The trials, tribulations and challenges help you to run strong, be persistent and stay the course.
You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth? This persuasion comes not of him that calls you. Galations 5:7,8 AKJ
Father God would do you no favor to make the paths straight or smooth. What he does promise to do is to run along side you encouraging you with His love, mercy and grace. He is there to cheer you on even if you think you are running alone. Even if you think He doesn’t care. Even if you think He is being mean.
When we are ill, struggling financially, struggling with relationships, Father God is there by our side. He knows we are hurting. He knows 
we are tired, in pain, stumbling. He also knows to make our paths easy won’t help us in the long run. That’s why He gave us a great training manual. Christ is The Word. He is coaching us as He knows the course we are taking. Jesus has been through the toughest hills and the deepest darkest valley. He knows we can’t make it alone. But He can’t do it for us.
He also calls on each of us to coach each other. Inspire, motivate, instruct, support. That’s what I feel He has called me to do, to help others in their training to be able to complete the race so they can also say -
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: From now on there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing”. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 AKJ
To your health, naturally.
Patti
