FJWL_01:343
         The mystery of My will is as a detailed road map of a large country, with many roads that you may follow. On the map, X marks the spot of the final destination, and it is given to you to pray and plan, to chart your course and to choose which route you would take to reach the spot marked X.
         The map is detailed, and there are many roads--main roads, subsidiary roads, rural roads, even back alleys within the cities--many routes on the map of My will that can lead you to the final destination. Within the confines of My will I set certain boundaries that are marked on the map, that within those boundaries you may chart your course and reach the goal.
         As is evident if you study the map, there is a direct route to the final destination. The direct route is always the best route, for along the way you will find gas stations and roadside rest stops, everything necessary to make your journey. Yet there are always those who prefer the more indirect route that on the map may sometimes look more exciting, more thrilling, and may even appear to be a shortcut. They fail to take into consideration that, although the road may look shorter, it is a lesser line; therefore it is not actually the best route or the best road they can take. It may denote an unpaved highway, or be full of potholes and dangerous turns, or be lacking in guard rails or not well lit. People often forget that a map is a map, and at times you are unable to tell exactly what you're getting into by merely looking at the map. It takes careful reading and planning, and sometimes seeking counsel from others who have traveled the road.
         Those who choose to take a more indirect route take greater risks along the way--risks of getting off on detours and auxiliary roads. Although they may reach the final destination, they run a greater risk of breakdowns, of running out of gas without a station in sight, or getting a flat tire in the rough terrain of backcountry roads. They can still reach the final destination, but they're likely to arrive weary and worn and in need of much more rest and recuperation than those who traveled the direct route. They often will be in need of a longer rest and recuperation time upon arrival, and making up for time lost due to wearisome travels. This is the risk of veering off the direct route of My highest and best will.
         I give you the map of My will well in advance, that you may take the time to chart your course. Mark it well in advance. Seek counsel from others if need be. Seek confirmation as to the best route to take, that you may avoid the pitfalls and setbacks and dangerous roads.



Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family