Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up; To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head. (Jeremiah 18:14-16)
As I look out my window, at the snow covered ground and temperature at 11º, I think of what this will mean for those traveling, those who have to shovel it, plow it or work outside in it. I'm very content to stay in my warm townhouse and watch.
Many of us are content to "watch" and not be a part of the winter wonderland that has fallen on us. Some of us don't like the cold, can't stand being bundled up, are afraid to take a risk and venture outside of our safe haven or just don't really care either way.
In these verses, God invites us to repent, just as He invited the nation of Jews to repent. They had forgotten Him. They strayed from the path He had laid before them. Theirs had become a way of misery by their own design.
Creating our own path in life (choices we make with regard to education, employment, and the like) can bring us joy and wealth (comfortable living). It's what we all want. Some arrive at a place much higher than could ever have been expected of them. Some become envious of their apparent success. However, remember that the choices that they have made may not have been done through prayer and acceptance of God's will for them, but from their own greediness and their willingness to ignore what is right to achieve what they want as opposed to what God wants for them.
God's path for us may not always be the easiest, the prettiest or the most comfortable path - but it is the right path! Trust that He does have a plan for you - and it's a great plan!!!
