God's Coaching #314

God's Coaching #314

Do you ever go for a walk, maybe with your dog or with your family? Ever thought about going for a walk from Boston to San Francisco—and back? That’s Andrew Skurka’s kind of walk—at least the distance is. But he preferred to venture in wild places, not big cities. In November 2007, the 26-year-old hiker finished a route he called the Great Western Loop: a 6,875-mile circle around the western United States that took him through five major mountain ranges, 12 national parks, and 75 wilderness areas. It took him 208 days.

Andrew had done lots of epic-distance hikes. He had covered all the American long routes, including the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. He had also walked across Iceland and had gone from the Atlantic Ocean in Quebec, Canada, to the Pacific Ocean in Washington state. Phew! Are you tired yet? Maybe you’re wondering how Andrew always knew which direction to go. Sometimes he walked on trails, but other times he found himself on off-trail routes. Normally, Andrew used maps and a compass. Sometimes he turned to a GPS unit.

What’s the Score?

You’ve probably heard people say that life is a journey. It’s true. Each day we face new challenges. We learn and grow. As Christians our goal is to follow God in all of life’s adventures.

But sometimes we come to a place where we wonder which way to go. We want to follow God’s will and make decisions that please him—but which way is that? It can be confusing, and we wish God would just speak to us in a big, booming voice. That’s not usually how God communicates with people, but he has promised to guide us. Proverbs 3:6 says, “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” We can discover God’s direction when we pray and listen for him to guide us with his Word. Plus, advice from wise Christians like our parents, teachers, and pastors will help us find God’s will. We can have confidence that God will guide and go with us no matter where his adventures lead.

On the Ball

Talk to God about a hard decision you’re facing. Ask your parents for advice, and look in the Bible for any principles that might guide your situation.

Coach’s Comment

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6