The Path We Choose

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 2:15 pm Post subject: The Path We Choose

The Path We Choose

Scripture:

And the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying: Ask you a sign of the Lord your God, either unto the depth of hell, or unto the height above. And Ahaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord. And he said: Hear, therefore, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to be grievous to men, that you are grievous to my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son and his name shall be called Emmanuel. (Isaiah 7:10-4)

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. Which he had promised before, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son, who was made to him of the seed of David, according to the flesh, who was predestined the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith, in all nations, for his name: Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that are at Rome, the beloved of God, called to be saints. Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:1-7)

Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Spirit. Whereupon Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son: and you shall call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife. (Matthew 1:18-24)

Reflection:

The prophets have brought forth His Word to the ear which will hear, yet, so many choose to remain deaf. Perhaps they are afraid of what will be revealed to them. They deceive themselves to believe it is better to deny Him than to see how we fail Him. They deceive themselves to believe it is better to trust in the world than the deliverance promised by Him. Though peace is within our grasp, we deny what is before us and seek what is empty.

In the time of King Ahaz, there was much trial and tribulation. The affairs of the land were greatly mismanaged and enemies were at the door. The days of the people were filled with challenge for Ahaz followed the detestable ways of wicked nations and did not do right in the eyes of the Lord. He did not trust in his God, but in the alliances of treacherous men which only produced betrayal. To His last day, He could have turned to the Lord, but as the troubles of Ahaz mounted, he instead turned even more to the ways of wicked men and false gods. He led his people to ruinous days.

Through the generations, leaders of great faith brought prosperity to the land while those who led their people away from God brought shame upon their house and trials to the masses. It is ours to learn from those who have gone before us or to repeat their mistakes. The true prophets share the desires of God with those who will listen, but those who will not hear are left to the ways of the world. Blessed are the faithful, for no matter the path of the rulers of the land, He will remember those who invited Him into their soul.

Despite the leaders who guide communities and nations to paths of destruction, all is not lost, for the faithful have the power of choosing what will be within them. They have the power to listen to those He sends to spread His Word. They have the power to listen to Him in prayer. They have the power to ask Him to reveal the truth to their heart. They have the power to invite His love within and share endlessly of the blessings it brings.

Though seats of power are formed from which to rule the ways of people, God has given to us the choice of what shall rule our heart. It we choose His love, His love shall forever be with us. It matters not the trial or the persecution, all may be endured when we invite Him within. There is no greater grace, no greater mercy, no greater love than what comes through Him. He asks simply that we love Him in return and that we love one another through which we may share in the wonders and blessings of His creation. Through the resurrection, the way has been shown for all to leave behind the world of sin and tribulation.

Some may question their purpose here. In the story of His creation, there are so many, yet, history remembers the names of but a few. It matters not, for He remembers every name and it is He who has placed each child of His creation with talents and a purpose. If we listen to Him, we will fulfill the works and blessings for which we were fashioned. Though He has chosen many ways to reveal Himself to the generations, we do not need to look for Him in visions or miracles, for the simplest way to find Him is through prayer. In the moments we spend with Him, He will guide the open heart.

Though times will come where we believe we know the path, we should not be so certain in our ways. Through prayer, He will guide us. When we have doubt, we may turn our challenges to Him and He will lead the way. When we feel certain of our path, we must still leave our heart open to Him in prayer for He will either confirm or gently lead us to where we should be. It is always ours to choose our own way, but the way to which He leads us will yield blessings not only for ourselves, but those to whose path He steers us. We each have a purpose, the special purpose for which He created us; we only need to choose to accept it.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier