Individual pathways

In general, people want to pursue the paths they have decided are correct for the given situation: the ones containing the least resistance to meeting their individual goals. People who live in a "free" society have less overriding requirements and more opportunities for personal choices to achieve their own goals. A difficulty arises when the means to arrive at those goals becomes very difficult or seemingly impossible. This is a time for reassessment of those goals. Such goals or desires are usually enjoyable and very important to the individual. It is at these times many people look for other ways to achieve their desires. If the person remains convinced the goal is the best solution, they may seek help or make decisions they never thought they would choose to achieve that desire. Hopefully, there will come a time when a person’s life beyond this one, is considered. It is at this time a reexamination of one’s overall goals needs to occur. At this time, the person is met with a bold reality: by myself, there is no way I can achieve the goal of being with God after I leave behind the goals on this earth; I need help. If we are sincere in this concern, God will provide a way for someone to introduce us to the one who will offer a solution to this goal. Jesus provided a sacrifice for all those who will believe He exists and He did this for them. Another reassessment of our desires and goals may indicate that the future life we desire is worth changing some of the goals we have held so dear. We may also find that by some redefinition, many of those goals can still be accomplished. The new goal needs be allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide them toward a realization that offers praise to God, first. Throughout this exercise of life, the Christian can look back and realize God was always close to those who genuinely seek after him. But at his point, we still must be careful since there is the adversary that wants to entice us to drift away from Him, lose interest, and leave His presence. Yes, it is ultimately up to our own choice as we travel along our unique individual spiritual journey. So let's continue to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us through the tough or glorious encounters we face. "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near." - Isa. 55:6 (NIV)