Am I On The Right Path In Life?

How To Know You’re Headed In The Right Direction

Have you ever stopped and wondered, “Am I on the right path in life?” 

It’s a question most of us ask at some point.  Maybe you’re facing a major decision.  Maybe there’s a transition coming up that you’re uncertain about.  Maybe you just have a nagging feeling that something needs to change, but you’re not sure what.

Life is a journey, and when you’re traveling somewhere unfamiliar, it’s natural to occasionally check the map (or the GPS) to make sure you’re still headed in the right direction.

But as Christians, there’s an important distinction to make.  The “right” path isn’t necessarily the path that makes us the happiest, earns us the most money, or gives us the fewest problems.  Sometimes God leads us down difficult roads that stretch our faith, develop our character, and teach us to depend on Him. 

The question isn’t simply, “Am I going where I want to go?”  It’s “Am I going where God is leading me?”

Proverbs 3:5-6 is my wife’s favorite verse, and it’s a beautiful reminder of this:  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

So how can you be sure you’re moving in the right direction?

You’re Pursuing What God Has Put On Your Heart

We all have interests, dreams, and passions.  Some of them may simply be things we enjoy, while others may point toward the unique purposes God has for our lives.  When you use the gifts God has given you in ways that honor Him and serve others, you may be discovering an important part of your purpose.

For many years, God’s purpose for me was children’s ministry.  I taught in a Christian school, I was a Sunday School director and teacher at my church, I was a VBS director and teacher, and I participated in many evangelistic outreaches to children.  All of that took up the majority of my time.

In addition to teaching, though, God had also given me a gift for writing.  But there just wasn’t any time for that in my busy schedule, so the gift lay dormant for several decades.  When I was about to retire, however, God led me to start this blog.  He’s given me an entirely new ministry in my senior years, and I’m loving it!

One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 2:10, which tells us “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  That verse reminds us that our lives aren’t accidents.  God created us intentionally, and He has meaningful work for us to do at every stage of our lives.

Ask yourself, “Am I using my gifts and abilities in ways that glorify God and benefit others?”  If the answer is yes, you’re on the right path.

The People Around You Encourage Your Walk With God

The people you spend the most time with are another indication of the path you’re on.  Do they encourage you?  Challenge you to grow?  Celebrate your victories?  Help you through difficult seasons?  Most importantly, do they encourage you in your relationship with Christ?

The people we allow into our lives can have an enormous influence on the direction we take.  Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

That doesn’t mean we should isolate ourselves from people who don’t share our faith.  Jesus certainly didn’t do that.  But it does mean we need to be intentional about who has influence over our thoughts, decisions, attitudes, and priorities.

Healthy relationships can strengthen us when life gets difficult.  The right friends can remind us of God’s faithfulness when we temporarily forget it ourselves.  I am so grateful for my wife and the wonderful friends God has brought into my life who encourage me in the Lord!  I’m the man I am today because of them.

If the people closest to you continually help you to become more compassionate, more faithful, and more Christlike, that’s another indication that you’re on the right path.

The Right Path Isn’t Always The Easy Path

Being on the right path doesn’t mean the road will always be easy.  It may be just the opposite.  We sometimes think that if God is leading us somewhere, everything should fall into place.  But that’s a false assumption.  James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”  

Notice that James doesn’t say if you face trials; he says whenever.  Like it or not, trials will come.  Obstacles aren’t necessarily evidence that you’re on the wrong path.  Sometimes they’re opportunities for God to strengthen your faith.  There will be seasons when the road is smooth and seasons when it feels like you’re climbing a mountain.  The difference is that when you’re walking with God, you don’t have to climb that mountain alone.

Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”  Being on the right path doesn’t guarantee you’ll feel comfortable or successful.  God doesn’t promise easy– He promises His presence.

Sometimes God’s path will lead you into something exciting and new.  Sometimes it will require you to wait.  Sometimes it will require you to let go of something familiar.  Sometimes it will stretch you far beyond your comfort zone.  And sometimes you may have absolutely no idea where the road is leading.

That’s where faith comes in.  Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”  You can make plans.  You should make plans.  But hold those plans with open hands.  God sees what you cannot see.  He knows where the road leads.  And He knows who you will need to become along the way.

Look For Opportunities To Give Back

God blesses us in so many ways.  But He never intends our journey to be entirely about ourselves.

Think about the people who have helped you along the way.  Perhaps someone encouraged you when you were ready to give up.  Maybe a teacher believed in you, a friend stood by you during a difficult time, or a mentor shared wisdom that changed your perspective.  We all benefit from the kindness, wisdom, and generosity of others.

And eventually we have a chance to pass those gifts along to others.  Galatians 6:9-10 instructs us not to become weary in doing good: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  When your life becomes less about “What can I get?” and more about “What can I give?” something changes inside you.

You begin to reflect the heart of Christ.  And that’s a pretty good indication you’re headed in the right direction.

You’re Growing “Every Day In Every Way”

One of the clearest signs that you’re on the right path is growth.

That doesn’t mean you become a different person overnight.  Lasting transformation rarely happens that way.  Change happens little by little.  You try.  You make mistakes.  You learn from them.  You become wiser.  You develop more patience.  You become more aware of your thoughts and attitudes and actions.  You grow mentally and emotionally, as well as physically.  And most importantly, you grow in your relationship with God.

Romans 12:2 is a powerful verse.  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

That transformation is ongoing, as you learn to see yourself through God’s eyes.  That is real growth.  You may not have everything figured out– and you don’t need to.

Your job isn’t to see the entire road ahead.  Your job is to trust the One who does.  

Psalm 119:105 puts it beautifully:  “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”  A lamp doesn’t illuminate the entire journey.  It gives you enough light to take the next step.  And sometimes that’s all God asks of us.

Take the next step.  Trust Him with the destination.  And keep walking on the right path.

 

Did this post inspire you?  Leave a comment ~ share on social ~ and subscribe for more!

 

Related Posts:

“God Has Plans For You!”

“The Man Who Hated Children”