by Pastor Douglas Brauner

God’s Path is Best

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Sondermann Park in Colorado Springs has changed over the last years. Many of the designated trails have been closed because of erosion and new paths have been constructed. When sauntering about these trails, camera in hand, I’m tempted to go the old way, the familiar way. I miss where these trails took me. I especially miss the seclusion of one of these trails that made me feel like I was deep in the mountains though I was in the middle of the city.

Everyday is a walk on the path of our lives. Where we begin each day is not where we end. Some days we know where the path will lead and other days we don’t. More than likely, we will be tempted to travel those paths where God tells us to “stay off,” places where we’ve been before.

Should we stay off those paths?

The answer seems obvious. Yes. Very little good comes from traveling those paths that lead us away from the mercy of God in Christ. However, the temptation to go where we used to travel is sometimes overwhelming. It’s tempting to return to behavior that destroyed our lives and relationships. And at times we give in to those temptations.

Jesus invites us to stay on his path of redemption. It is the path that’s marked by the rut of his cross. It is the path that he walked on our behalf. It is the path of forgiveness, grace, and integrity. King David knew God’s path as the way of integrity.

“I will walk in the way of integrity. When will you come to me? I will conduct my business with integrity in the midst of my palace.”
Psalm 101:2 New English Translation

The bottom of this sign in Sondermann Park encourages hikers to stay on the designated trail. I did. The trail takes a little bit longer to hike, but the views are great. May we see that God’s way, God’s path is best for our lives even if it seems a little bit more difficult.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado