Thanks to FaithWriters for publishing this devotional today

Inspired by Rev 7:9-12

Lessons From a Fly – by Abby Kelly

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

I knew how he felt, poor little fly. I watched him relentlessly pound his head against the window pane of the two-sided porch where I sat for my quiet time. Desperately, he tried again and again to reach the open air, to be where he belonged, to fulfill his tiny, insect purpose. Even when I tried to convince him to turn around toward the open side of the portico, he stubbornly refused, bent on doing it his own way.

How like myself, I thought. So many times I have prayed and asked God to reveal His plans for my life. Then, with the best of intentions, I set off to do things my way. Full speed ahead, forgetting God’s commandment to wait on Him. I can see where I want to be and what I want to accomplish, but for some reason, I can’t get there. Failure dogs my efforts and my energy is quickly sapped. Like the fly after so many hours, I fall limp and discouraged on the floor.

God promises that He has a future for me, a hopeful future, but I will never achieve it or find peace as long as I am determined to do things my own way. But, when I learn to wait on the Lord and listen to His voice, He will renew my strength. Then, I will obey and follow Him into the wide and hopeful future He has for me.