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A life map remembering God’s Care.

I would first ask you if you see your journey through life as a direct line path, straight to the target, or looking back does it more resemble a twisting journey with many bends, hills to climb, and forks in the road?

— I believe it would be extremely rare (even impossible) to find anyone who truly went from cradle to grave without experiencing many twists and turns in their life’s path.

— So I’m giving you homework today. I’m asking you to fill out a simple chart, noting some of the most poignant and memorable events that shaped the direction of your life’s journey.

— In doing so as believers, we should be able to see more clearly how God has been with us through all the ups and downs, highs and lows of life.

To begin this diagram (life map), we need to make a list of those important, and maybe traumatizing moments. (Below I give you a little example from my own journey.)

1/ I was born into a Christian home.	2/ I was educated in Sunday School by Godly and loving teachers.	3/ I gave my heart to the Lord at 8 years of age at Daily Vacation Bible School	4/ That year I was healed from a terrible inner ear infection through the prayers of my dad.
5/ At age 10 God answered my challenge to show me that He truly would also answer my prayers.	6/ That year my little sister was hit by a car and nearly died. Thru much prayer, she is today well and healthy.	7/ When I was 12 we moved from the suburbs and I went from a large school to a small school.	8/ As a result I left all the friends I grew up with and struggled to find the same kind of friendships in my new surroundings.
9/ After graduation I failed to achieve the marks needed to fulfill my teenage dreams.	10/ Dreams shattered, at 19 tragedy struck my world, as a former girlfriend was brutally murdered.	11/ All this made me feel a failure, and at the point of suicide, I instead gave my life fully to Jesus.	12/ At the age of 20 the Lord allowed me to get a taste of one of my life dreams, and I spent 2yrs. In the CAF.
13/ Understanding that I was not suited to a military life, I went back to seeking ways to serve the Lord at home.	14/ As part of the CNLA church, I met my future wife. — In this God has led me to further blessings from the Lord.	15/ We’ve “stepped out of the boat” many times since. Thru the ups and downs, God continues to deliver and guide us.	That is where I’ll stop for this example to show my path on this journey in life… from there, it leads to today.

(Click here to view my Life’s Map in PDF form)

Maybe your route is leading through some steep and rocky ground today…
— Our path did, and we continue to have those mountains to climb,

The psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:49… (NLT) (49) Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. (50) Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.

— Only one Question for today…

Do any of these promises that God has given us give you hope and comfort? (ESV used here)

O – Psalm 34:18… The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

O – John 3:16-17… “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  (17)  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

O – 1^st Corinthians 10:13… No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

O – Philippians 4:12-13… I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  (13)  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

O – Romans 8:26-28… Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

O – Isaiah 41:10… Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

O – Hebrews 13:1-6… Let brotherly love continue.  (2)  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.  (3)  Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.  (4)  Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.  (5)  Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  (6)  So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

O – Isaiah 49:13… Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.

That verse introduces this song to close our study… ‘Jesus led me all the way’ – Author: John W. Peterson

1) Someday life’s journey will be o’er, And I shall reach that distant shore,
I’ll sing while ent’ring Heaven’s door, Jesus led me all the way.

Chorus:
Jesus led me all the way, Led me step by step each day.
I will tell the saints and angels, As I lay my burdens down, Jesus led me all the way.

2) If God should let me there review, The winding paths of earth I knew,
It would be proven clear and true, Jesus led me all the way.

Chorus:

Time to remember God’s goodness in praise and prayer. …KK (RBND)