D is for destination!

D is for destination

des•ti•na•tion (d s t -n sh n) n.
1. The place to which one is going or directed.
2. The ultimate purpose for which something is created or intended.

Yes, I know, you don’t find this word in the bible. However when my pastor spoke about destination on Sunday, I could hardly wait for “d” day so I could explore this topic. Sunday’s message really made me do a “stop and think.” Pastor A shared how one time he was on an airplane, all buckled in, only to find he was headed to the wrong destination. Oops! Although this has never happened to me in an airplane, his story made me think about how many times in life I have been traveling down a path, only to find I made a wrong turn and was nowhere near my destination.

I thought I would share a few street signs that help keep me walking the right path. (I sure wish it was as easy to follow these signs as it is to write about them--smile.)

Street sign #1: Prayer—In Matthew 7:8 it says, “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” God promises us guidance when we seek Him. His plan fits perfect with each one of our destinations.

Street sign #2: Bible study—Any time I want to learn about something, I study up on it…God’s word is no exception. For me, God’s word is the guidebook to my destination.

Street sign #3: Relationships—The relationships with my family, friends, and coworkers is one of my biggest gauges if I am on the right path. If I start to get curt, cranky, or snippy, it usually is an indicator that I am taking a detour from the path of my destination.

Street sign #4: Quiet time—the world is a noisy place. With all the noise of daily living, I find it hard to hear God. It’s like His voice gets drowned out…so I intentionally turn off the radio when driving, very seldom turn on the tv and try to walk without my IPod occasionally.

Street sign #5: White space—this is the area I struggle most. I love connecting with others and being involved with many different things. While most of these activities are all good, I am learning that I have to choose which things are best for me in order to stay headed towards the right destination. It is so easy for me go get lost on U turns and often I find myself on a dead end road.

Well, these are just a few of my street signs. How do you keep yourself heading towards your right destination?