Why read the directions?

Living in the mountains, I am surrounded by national forests and hiking trails.  
The freshness and quietness of the wooded trail can be a refreshing both emotionally and physically.  
How relaxing to get off alone and hear nothing but the crunching of leaves beneath your feet and the experiencing sights and sounds of nature!  
But what if you find yourself lost?  
Would that same inviting trial seems so refreshing? 

---

We are a society that is so used to finding directions inside new digital devices and products.  
​There are maps on our i-phones and  "help" buttons on our computers.  We usually try to figure things out on our own, until we come to see we MUST opt for the "Help" button or instructions.  

The same is true with the walk of faith.
When we realize that we are "lost" or in need of "guidance and instruction," we cry out to God for help.    He waits for us to acknowledge our foolishness and come to Him for guidance in this walk of life.   It is for sure, that we cannot follow the path, stay on it and cope with all the trials that will come our way if not for His guidance.  The path of the genuine Christian is not an easy one.  As we mature in our faith and study of His Word, we will come to see that very plainly. ​

• Read, pray and follow His biblical instructions for your journey in this life.
• Trials along the path will drive us to God for instructions, but don't wait until the trial. 
• Trails build godly character (James 1: 2-4),  they drive us to call on God for wisdom (James 1:5), they build our faith (James 1:6), and they give us the opportunity to display the character of Christ (2 Corinthians 12: 7-10).  
•   Believe me, call on Him now, not when you are on the path facing a trial and lost.  

​

Psalm 119:67-72  1599 Geneva Bible
Before I was afflicted, I went astray: but now I keep thy word.
 Thou art good and gracious: teach me thy statutes.
 The proud have imagined a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.