WHY GOD CALLS YOU TO STAY IN YOUR LANE

Walking the path connection means staying in your lane. For most of us, that is easier said and done. How do we even know which lane is ours and how do we stay in it without getting distracted and discouraged by people and places on the journey?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO STAY IN YOUR LANE?

Connection begins with our relationship with God and then continues as we try to find and walk the path He has specifically chosen for us. This is where we learn to connect our passion and our purpose.

But you may have noticed something as you start down your path…there are others walking ahead, beside, and behind you.  Right?

• Sometimes these people can encourage you on your journey.
• Sometimes they distract you.  
• And sometimes they make it hard for you to see where you are going.

A STAY IN YOUR LANE ILLUSTRATION

Many of you know that I am a walker.

• I walk for exercise.
• I walk for fun.
• I walk with family & friends.
• I walk alone.
• I walk to think.
• I walk to clear my mind.

Bottom line: I LOVE TO WALK.

A few years ago while my daughter was at her dance class I had about 45 minutes to wait. Usually, I run a quick errand, fill up on gas, or stay in the car and read. But this night, I decided to try and take a walk. A lot had been going on, especially inside my head, and I knew I needed to get up, get out, and start moving to begin to work it all out.

But where? Her studio is in a shopping plaza on a busy road. Couldn’t walk there.

The usual parks or neighborhoods I go to would be too far to drive.

So I decided to look for somewhere close. And I found a little park with a narrow circular path around a grassy field. Almost like a natural track…perfect!

I got out of the car, noticed some people on the path, checked my watch, and started off, hoping to get in a few laps before I had to return to pick up my daughter.

Walking briskly at a pretty good pace, it was not long before I came upon a family. Mom & Dad were up ahead holding hands while the younger boy skipped behind and the older daughter did her best to pretend she didn’t know any of them. 🙂

It was a narrow path and I was approaching quickly…I had to make a decision. Do I speed up and pass them or slow down and stay behind? Picking up the pace, I passed both kids but kept behind mom and dad.

At this point, a mom pushing a baby in a stroller entered the path. Pretty soon I was in step with her and we chatted a bit before I continued on.

Alone again, I was lost in my thoughts when a man on a bike came whizzing up beside me. A little startled because I barely heard his approach, I smiled and moved to the right.

This moving to the right, passing on the left, speeding up and slowing down continued throughout the duration of my walk.

There were runners, other bikers, and small kids playing on the field one minute and chasing each other on the path the next. Some were focused and determined and some were out for a leisurely stroll. Some walked alone. Some with each other or their dogs. Some made eye contact and said hello. Some were silent.

SAME PATH BUT DIFFERENT LANES

But we were all on the same path.

All moving in the same direction.

Whatever the reason or the purpose.

I walked to clear my head. To let my mind be still and free. To allow God to speak to me.

And I did hear Him that breezy summer evening in a very real and practical way.

Stay in your lane, Carla.

• Keep your eyes fixed and focused.
• Take the next step.
• And walk the course I have mapped out for you.
• Move to the right for those who are coming up behind you.
• Pass on the left for those who are taking their time.
• Slow down and step in pace with those who may need encouragement.

But stay in your lane.

HOW GOD CALLS US TO STAY IN OUR LANE

I realized that God has put me on the path specifically, intentionally, and purposefully.

He has set my pace.

He has ordered my steps.

BIBLE VERSES THAT ENCOURAGE US TO STAY IN OUR LANE

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

I do not have to worry about who is coming up behind me or who is up ahead.

I can focus on what God has for me.

“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.”

Proverbs 4:25-26 (NLT)

I can trust Him as I walk the path He has set for me, doing what He has called me to do.

It is so easy for us to look at others on the path and want something else.  We want to be in a different place, we want to be faster and stronger, or we just want to be able to take it easy.

SIMPLE STEPS TO STAY IN YOUR LANE

Here is a simple acrostic that may help you remember how to STAY IN YOUR LANE:

Seek to follow God first.

Take it one step at a time.

Accept the specific plan God has for your life (and do not worry about anyone else!).

Yield to others on the path with grace.

(in your)

Listen to God’s voice as He guides (shut out the other noises and distractions).

Ask others for support and encouragement.

Navigate the obstacles by staying fixed and focused on your goal.

Expect great things as you learn to connect your passion and purpose!

So thankful that you took the time to stop by and visit AT THE CROSSROADS! 

It is my privilege and pleasure to walk alongside you on the journey!  If you are encouraged by this post and want to continue to learn how to connect with God and others, please consider becoming an email subscriber. You will receive weekly blog posts, free faith resources, and opportunities to meet and collaborate.