The Way

Thomas asked, “But how can we know the way.” Jesus answered, I am the way, the truth, and the life and no man come to the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

When I was younger, I dreamed of being able to make my own choices and live my own life. However, as I began adulting, I became overwhelmed with the amount of decisions that had to be made on a daily basis in order for my life to “stay on track.” What school do I go to? Should I leave this job? Is this the one? Does deodorant cause cancer? Should I turn right or left to get to the house? It was revealed to me that my response to having too many decisions is to SHUT down and not make any. In fact, I would grab a cigarette, blunt, or black and mild-mild (plastic tip) to help me to turn off the decisions I had to make daily. Escape. I learned to escape very well.

When I did finally have to make decisions, I would be beset with irritation and frustration because I didn’t have all of the answers. Confusion ran rampant as life’s trials and decisions became layered with more flavor of responsibility. I ran to my Mom and Dad vying to learn all of life’s secrets and the answer to the questions, but they couldn’t give me an answer that satisfied my soul. So, I asked God some questions:

How can I have the confidence to make accurate decisions quickly? How can I know the path I take? How do I know the Way?

But, I never silenced my brain long enough to hear any answers and instead I found myself assured of my path in one season and then the next month or week my mind is wandering around again lost –looking for clarity. I would ask God again, “Where am I going, and how do I get there.” I was confused that I ended up in that cycle over and over again.

For example, I graduated from my undergraduate degree program in Psychology at the top of my class. I thoroughly enjoyed the work and excelled freely in all psych-driven courses. When it came time to apply to graduate school, I originally thought to continue to path to being a Psychologist, I began a Masters of Business Administration degree instead. I would struggle for 10 years to complete that degree all to flunk out of one graduate program completely—unable to return.

I found myself wandering around again with no plan or hope for my future. Then, the Lord sent a great mentor of mine from the past to help me hear His voice better. She taught me how to pray from a place of listening instead of responding. I began sitting before the Lord in silence for 5-10 minutes and listening for His answers to my questions. After keeping my mind clear from all of the thoughts that could drown out his voice, I began to hear Him speak:

Jesus, is the way, the truth, and the life and that no man come to the Father, but by Him.

John 14:6

I said, well I believe in Jesus and I still don’t know the way. And God answered, what about your life shows that you believe in Him? That question really made me think? How was I living for Jesus. I do pray I said, but my prayers are all about me and what I need or my family needs. I was really into church when I started school and reading the Word and studying the scriptures, but life got really busy. I am not really into church anymore and I haven’t been able to read the Word like I used to, but I am still a believer of Jesus. It was as I was defending myself where it became clear that my relationship with Jesus was in trouble, which impacted my relationship with God the Father.

I began reading and studying the Bible again, and was led to an amazing church, and created a prayer closet in my home. I began to set aside time for devotion again and spending time with Jesus became the most important aspect of my life again. I knew now to come before Him with questions and not just petitions. And He began to share the plan and path for my life in detail, but in phases. I didn’t get the whole plan, but I always got the next step.

Surprisingly, (but not really), I am called to be an Educational Psychologist. I am now in a Masters of Psychology program and back on track to fulfilling His plan and purpose for my life. The Father says that

“For I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

I am so grateful and thankful for His plans and the ability to hear from Him for myself. What about you? Do you know the plans that He has for you? Do you know the way to get and understand those plans? If you don’t know the path and you don’t know the way, then I recommend you find Jesus. I say, you find time to study about Him to live like Him, which will demonstrate your faith in Him as that is the way to the Father. Worship, praise, and devote time to Him. Remember the times you have called on Jesus as demonstration of your faith that He is the Christ, your Savior, and your Redeemer. Do not forget about the power that the name of Jesus holds and how faith is what pleases God. You have to believe. Your life must show fruit that you believe Jesus is the Way, you know, He is the Way, the truth, and the Life and no man come to the Father, but by Him.