Borrowed Breath

Once, there was a man who set out on a journey. He had a clear destination and a map with a planned path to arrive at his destination. He was traveling at a good clip when suddenly his map and the terrain before him seemed to contradict each other. And so he, in a fit of frustration, paced and fumed at this turn of events.

Before long, another traveler approached him and asked what the dilemma was. With demonstrative hand motions and descriptive language, the man shared his confusion with this traveler. The traveler patiently listened and then pointed to a trail on the map that was also in front of the man. This path did not seem to coincide with the planned path that the man had so carefully prepared. But the traveler seemed to know his way around, and assured the man that this was his best move. And so the man set out down this new path.

On this new path, he discovered several things. He learned a lot more about himself. He met other fellow travelers who were heading toward the same destination as he. He met other travelers who where heading elsewhere, but who shared their provisions with him. And he met others who told him he was clearly on the wrong path, that he should follow them. But their demeanor, in direct contrast to the first traveler he met, was abrasive and self-righteous, and he refused to follow them.

As the journey continued and got longer and longer, he discovered a lot about his motives for striking out to his destination. No longer was the destination his main point of focus. The path and those he met on the path took up the majority of his time and energy, and he was perfectly content with this change of heart. He was still heading toward his destination, but with a new perspective on his journey.

Commentary: In this life, we often strike out toward a destination with purpose and determination only to discover that our Lord has other plans for us. We become confused. And it is in our very confusion that He brings clarity.

Imagine the confusion the disciples had on the Saturday between the crucifixion and the resurrection. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus demonstrated this clearly. And yet out of their confusion, Jesus brought clarity.

In the Old Testament, we have the example of God leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. And we find this interesting passage of scripture, “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea” (Exodus 13.17-18 NIV).

Are you on a desert road?
Trust the Lord, who has traveled this road before you, to lead you on the path that is best suited for you.

HT: Jon at Stuff Christians Like for the desert road imagery.