A Rough Road Does Not Mean You Missed God

Devotion for Monday, August 17

John 16:7
“But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”

The disciples could not imagine how Jesus leaving could possibly be to their advantage. They did not yet understand that the road to the Father would pass through the cross, the grave, the resurrection, and the ascension. What looked like everything going wrong was still part of God’s plan. Jesus knew exactly where the road was leading, even when His disciples could not see it.

A difficult road does not necessarily mean you have missed God. Moses had the wilderness. Joseph had prison. Daniel had the lions’ den. None of those difficult places canceled God’s purpose. Following Holy Spirit does not mean every step will be easy or immediately make sense. Sometimes the nudge leads us onto a road where trusting God becomes more important than understanding what happens next.

Holy Spirit knows where He is leading you. You do not need to see the destination before taking the next faithful step. Difficulty does not have the authority to determine whether God is with you. When you have discerned His leading, you can keep moving with confidence because the road may be unknown to you, but it is not unknown to Him.

Reflection:
What difficulty has made you question whether Holy Spirit is still leading you? Consider whether you have allowed the condition of the road to determine your confidence in God. Identify one step you believe Holy Spirit has been nudging you to take, and take that step today.

Prayer:
Father, Jesus said that what His disciples could not understand would ultimately be for their advantage. Help me trust You when I cannot see where the road is leading. Forgive me for assuming that difficulty means You are no longer directing my steps. Give me faith to recognize and follow the nudge of Holy Spirit today. Amen.