I have been contemplating some of the paths my life has taken. At times, I have allowed myself to drift away from goals and plans, and I have had to work at getting back headed in a direction better suited for my life. Those times cause me to have to hewn out the weeds and thorns which have blocked my journey.

It’s odd how we get the idea that doing good things causes God to give us good things. It is generally true that when we live life God’s way, things go better. Abraham is an example of how God keeps his promises even when we lack faith. I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness, love and mercy, even when I deserve the opposite.

I believe Jesus is waiting to return because he wants more people to have time to trust him. Maybe God delayed the birth of Isaac to give Abraham the chance to become the man he should be before becoming a father. God’s timing is perfect, and he considers things we don’t even know about.

One example is when the angel tells Hagar that her son will live in constant conflict with his relatives; a prediction that is fulfilled in the conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors today. Everything that occurs is a part of God’s plan even though it is sometimes difficult to understand. The safest place to be is doing what God says. It doesn’t always feel that way in the moment, but it is true.

When I redirect my steps and actions, I experience more success, joy, and happiness! The peace I find is so much sweeter. The realization that my Heavenly Father is and has been right there all the time through my sadness and struggles gives me an abundance of security and an amazing feeling that one day I will join all my loved ones who have already entered an eternity in paradise that God has prepared for us.