Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. Acts 21:1-3

After his brief visit with the Ephesian elders (which took us a long time to meditate through) Paul and co. were on their way to Israel. Here is a simple thought on knowing where we are going, but not always knowing how we are going to get there. Paul knew he was headed to Israel, but getting there was not an exact straight line. There were differing routes and undetermined stops along the way.

Isn’t that a lot like life? Ultimately, as children of God we know our final destination is in the Lord’s presence in Heaven, but there are many options along the way. Some are good and easy. Others are not so good nor are they easy. This means we have decisions to make. Let us remember always to seek the Lord and His wisdom in making these decisions.

Ironically the wisest choices usually make the journey better, but not always. Sometimes a path will seem smoother but not as spiritually beneficial. The Lord’s will for us often involves difficulties that cause spiritual growth.

Maybe the bottom line is that we constantly seek the Lord and depend on Him to enable us to be cheerful and flexible. Maybe I’m the only one who needs to be reminded of this. But I doubt it.