The Way Forward - The Way Forwards is Backwards
Finding Your Way at Life's Crossroads: The Ancient Path to Flourishing
Life is full of crossroads—moments where we must choose between different paths. Whether it's a major life decision like marriage or a career change, or something as simple as choosing paint colors, these decision points can leave us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. The good news is that we don't have to navigate these crossroads alone.
What Are We Really Aiming For?
Before we dive into decision-making, it's important to understand what we're ultimately pursuing. At the deepest level, we all long for home—to be at the banquet table of our King, where we will be with Him and like Him. This isn't just about making better choices or developing new habits; it's about flourishing in the way God originally designed us to live.
Jesus painted this picture beautifully when He described a banquet feast where people from everywhere—north, east, south, and west—would gather.
Luke 13:29 (NIV)
“People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.”
He specifically mentioned inviting “the lame, the crippled, the poor” because He wants His banquet table full. This is our ultimate destination: a place of no more suffering, no more pain, no more tears, and no more division.
Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Understanding Different Types of Crossroads
Not all decisions are created equal. There are several categories of crossroads we encounter:
Moral Decisions
These involve clear right and wrong choices according to God's moral will. Examples include:
Returning money when a cashier makes an error in your favor
Being honest about mistakes at work
Choosing integrity over personal gain
Non-Moral Decisions
These can be either minor or major but don’t involve moral right or wrong:
Minor decisions: Paint colors, daily schedule choices, or small preferences
Major decisions: Marriage proposals, job changes, school choices, starting a business, moving locations, adoption decisions
The key insight is that while these categories are different, the same principles apply to navigating all of them.
The Ancient Path: Standing at the Crossroads
The prophet Jeremiah provides us with timeless wisdom for decision-making:
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
“This is what the Lord says:
‘Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.’”
This passage gives us a clear framework:
Stand
Instead of sprinting through decisions, we're called to pause. When do we actually stop and reflect rather than rushing forward? This requires slowing down enough to truly observe and take in our situation.
Look and Ask
We need both the wisdom found in Scripture and the unique revelation of the Holy Spirit for our specific circumstances.
Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ… may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
This involves:
Seeking wisdom from God's Word
Asking for spiritual insight and revelation
Consulting with wise counselors
Engaging in prayerful discernment
The Good Way
When God uses the word “good” in Scripture, He's not referring to something mediocre or “so-so.” The Hebrew word tov carries deeper meaning—beauty, benefit, functionality, and generative thriving. In essence, good means flourishing.
This echoes God’s original declaration over creation:
Genesis 1:31 (NIV)
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”
What Does Flourishing Look Like?
God's original design in the Garden of Eden shows us the picture of true flourishing:
Perfect relationship with God
Perfect relationship with others
Perfect relationship with creation
Perfect integration within ourselves (wholeness, contentment)
When facing crossroads, we can ask:
“Which path will lead to the greatest flourishing in all my relationships and bring genuine rest?”
The Beautiful Truth About Repentance
The word repentance often carries negative connotations in our culture, but it's actually one of the most beautiful concepts in Christianity. The Greek word metanoia means a change of mind that leads to life change.
Repentance isn't about shame or condemnation—it's about turning toward flourishing.
Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength.”
Consider what repentance produces:
Rest and quietness
Trust and strength
Spiritual fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control)
Luke 3:8 (NIV)
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Times of refreshing from the Lord
Acts 3:19 (NIV)
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Experience of God's kindness
Romans 2:4 (NIV)
“God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.”
The spiritually mature don’t repent less; they repent faster. Repentance is simply choosing God's way over our own way.
Jesus and the Crossroads
When Jesus said:
Matthew 11:28–29 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls.”
He was echoing Jeremiah’s promise. Jesus is saying, “When you come to crossroads in life—choose Me.”
The very first words of Jesus’ ministry were:
Mark 1:15 (NIV)
“The time has come… The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Throughout His ministry, His message was consistent: turn toward God’s way of flourishing.
No Trap Doors in God’s Kingdom
Here’s the liberating truth: outside of moral decisions, there are no trap doors in God’s kingdom. God cares less about what you decide than how you decide and who you decide with.
Jesus Himself is the path.
John 14:6 (NIV)
“I am the way and the truth and the life.”
For non-moral decisions—whether major or minor—God’s primary concern is being with you in the process. When we choose Him, we walk confidently knowing He goes with us.
Practical Steps for Decision-Making
When you find yourself at a crossroads:
Pause and stand – Don’t rush the decision
Look and observe – Take time to truly understand your situation
Ask for wisdom – Seek God through prayer and Scripture
Consult wise counselors – Don’t make major decisions in isolation
Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Consider flourishing – Which path leads to greater flourishing in all relationships?
Choose God – Make your decision with Him, not apart from Him
Life Application
This week, identify one crossroads you're currently facing—whether moral or non-moral, major or minor. Instead of rushing toward a decision or being paralyzed by indecision, practice the ancient path approach:
Stand at your crossroads and pause. Look for wisdom in God's Word. Ask for His guidance in prayer. Seek the good way that leads to flourishing in your relationship with God, others, and yourself.
When you choose God, there are no trap doors—only His presence and guidance.
Questions for Reflection
What crossroads am I currently facing, and have I taken time to truly stand and reflect?
Am I seeking God's wisdom through Scripture and prayer, or trying to figure this out on my own?
Which path leads to greater flourishing in my relationships with God, others, and myself?
How can I choose God in this decision, regardless of the outcome?
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
1. The Joy- The Belonging Co.
2. No One Like the Lord- Bethel Music
3. We Crown You- Jeremy Riddle
4. Gratitude- Brandon Lake
WFC Speedway
1. Great Are You Lord- Passion
2. Worthy of It All- David Brymer
3. Available- Elevation Worship
Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!
