The Way

Have you ever had a plan that seemed to be the only way for you?  From age 5, my plan was to be a baseball player. Whether that meant playing in the Major Leagues or in college, that was the plan.  That plan was derailed when I was a junior in High School.  I suffered a torn ligament in my elbow that would have required surgery, a year of rehab and a missed senior season. But thankfully our plans are not always God’s plans. Had I continued pursuing baseball, I probably would not have realized my call to ministry and be where I am today.

In Matthew 16, Jesus gave the disciples news that was going to derail their plan for Him to be an earthly King.  Jesus said He would suffer many things, be killed, and rise again. Peter pulls Jesus aside and says, “No, Lord! This will never happen to You”.  He is immediately rebuked by Jesus who tells him “…you aren’t thinking about God’s concerns, but human concerns”. Their plan was rocked.  They were lost and fearful.  Again, our plans are not always God’s plans.

Jesus provides them with hope and a new plan as seen in John 14.

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you.  If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.  You know the way to where I am going.” “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. –John 14:1-6

The Gospel of Jesus Christ reveals a plan superior to any we can make for our own lives. When their plan was flipped on its head, the disciples began to fear. When our plan falls off the rails we may begin to fear.  But Christ says to not be troubled.  Believe in the only Way for eternal life. Believe in the true Word that became flesh.  Believe in the one who conquers death and gives you life. 

When our plans go awry, our hope lies in the only way. Jesus Christ.   

– Matthew Meridieth

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