3 Paths. Which will you choose?
I waited up the Lord in a place of deep peace I refer to as my abiding spot.
God said, “You have three options.” He then showed me three paths side-by-side to each other. I had an understanding that these paths were specific to my ministry.
3 paths
The first path was a straight, long path leading directly out in front of me. I couldn’t see the destination and I had a feeling it would be a tedious journey.
The second path had horrific bumps in the road as large as small hills. This road looked neither pleasant nor easy. Again, I saw no destination.
The third path looked like a water slide tube except for the blinding light running through it and coming out of it. As I got closer, I saw and felt the opening. My entire body vibrated when I drew near. I could not see the end destination of this path either.
3 paths. Which will you choose?
All three paths held uncertainty as far as the outcome. But only the third gave me a sense of excitement. I had a deep knowing that if I chose this portal, my journey would be accelerated and my outcome joyous.
I didn’t get the feeling the outcome would be better than the other two paths but just that it would be accelerated.
I called out to the Lord, “I chose the accelerated path.”
“Then you must forgive. Let me, show you each person who you need to forgive in the ministry, past, and present. Then you may step forward into the accelerated path.”
I was plunged into over a half-hour of forgiving multiple experiences, comments, or personal feelings or impressions that I had allowed to become offenses. I had interpreted fellow warriors for Christ as the enemy instead of my true enemy ⸻Satan. And for that, I was truly sorry.
When I contemplate this experience, I believe God required me to forgive these people by the very words of Jesus.
“Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:9-15, ESV)
I think if I had held onto unforgiveness for even longer, the bumpy road would have been my lot in life. Each bump a moment needing forgiveness. I begrudgingly gave. But instead, I allowed the Lord to show me how dangerous allowing my unforgiveness was in relation to my effectiveness in the Body of Christ. We can’t permit ourselves the wretched indulgence of a judgment of others. I know I’ll need a reminder of this. If I come up in your thoughts for prayer, please do so.
The straight, long path would have been given to me if I withheld my forgiveness until God showed me my error. This long road would have worked forgiveness out of me, as God showed me, I would have chosen the same actions my ‘perpetrators’ had if given the right circumstances.
Ultimately when all was revealed in the vision, I dove in headfirst with a squeal of joy.
When was the last time you did the hard work of forgiving? Which of the 3 paths would you choose? I’ll be praying for you, please pray for me.
Prayer for you and me: Lord Jesus, every gift You give us is glorious, even those gifts that are wrapped in intense work. We know that Your plan of forgiveness is essential to our freedom. Help us forgive with a joyful and thankful heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Comments