Direction Precedes Understanding

Here I sit, gazing out the window, enjoying a hot cup of green tea.

Last night I found myself in a discussion about John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. What struck me—perhaps more clearly than before—is that in each stage of the pilgrim’s journey, direction always precedes understanding.

A pilgrim must first set out on the Christian journey in faith and hope before wisdom and understanding are revealed. It takes obedience to run toward the light of Christ through the narrow gate—and then to remain on the narrow path beyond, guided by the Holy Spirit.

That means resisting the pull toward greener pastures, tempting shortcuts, or well-worn trails favored by those of the world.

This is especially difficult when all of our worldly senses cry out for the path of least resistance—for the easy way instead of the right way.

For those of us who have wandered from the narrow path—whether by our own free-will choices or through the deception of the enemy—we know the consequences of that folly.

And yet, the more we practice obedience, the more we learn to yield to God’s inner compass. We may not fully understand where we are going or what awaits us just around the bend in the path, but we grow confident that the destination will be worth the trials and tribulations along the way.

So we press on—one confident step after the next—not in our own understanding, but in faith and obedience, trusting that Father God knows best.

I wonder how many would call this way of life blind or naïve?

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:14 (NKJV)