Monday Morning Manna: Praying as You Journey to the Destination

As we were landing recently, the airplane’s Captain came on the intercom and said, “We know you have a choice in airlines, and we want to thank you for flying Delta Connection… excuse me, American Eagle.” My first serious thought following this gaffe was, while it is good to know your destination, it is likewise good to know some details about the journey. I was fortunate to be raised by a pastor-father, and a missions-called-mother, who not only made sure I was ultimately headed to heaven, but also made sure, I understood important things about the journey. Primary to this learning was the importance of continual communication with God through prayer. I was taught that God was the only one who could adequately “direct” my paths (Proverbs 3:6). When I was tempted to walk “in the council of the ungodly” (Psalm 1:1),” I needed assistance. I did not need someone to wish me “good thoughts” or “send prayer” my way, but I did need partners interceding for me to God, and God responding by showing me the way, for “indeed, difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14). So when your way grows difficult, and your feet falter, you have a choice. Your best choice is to call on God, who knows both your destination and the way to get you there.

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.