Lost In Italy Yet Steps Led By God

I’m notorious for getting lost. I like to blend in. I’m sure for those who know me, I can see you rolling your eyes. I can hear you say, “Seriously? Give it up. You will never blend in!”

Therefore, I’m constantly getting lost in other countries. I rarely take tours. I love the adventure of finding the sights on my own. A bit challenging when I don’t speak their language, but someone is always ready to help me.

I got lost in Verona, Italy. I wanted to go to Juliet’s Tomb. Juliet’s Balcony was challenging, but Juliet Tomb took a couple of hours walking to find it. But I found it!

On my way to Juliet’s Tomb, I stopped at every single church there was. I went inside every single church. I came to the last church, walked in, and went to the alter. I sat on the pew and spent sometime in prayer. As I went to leave, there was this older gentleman sitting in a pew praying. I felt God tell me to go tell him these words. Those words didn’t make sense to me. I was arguing with God in my mind, “God, I don’t know what these words You're giving me mean. I don’t know this man. I can’t just walk to him and say that. Please send someone else.” I kept on walking until I got to the last pew, and then my legs began to hurt, like I couldn’t walk anymore. I had no choice but to sit at the last row, I couldn’t walk.

As I sat there, I kept hearing, “Go to that man and tell him what I told you.” My response remained the same, “God I don’t know that man. He will think I’m crazy. Please don’t make me go.” But my legs wouldn't get up for me to walk. Finally, I said, “Ok, God, I will go deliver this message please, please, please, don’t make me look crazy.”

The man had his eyes closed. I tapped him on his shoulder, and he looked at me. I asked him in Italian if he spoke Italian. He gave me a strange look, “Like we are in Italy, what language do you think I would speak?” I told him, please do not think I’m crazy, but God will not let me leave this church without telling you this. I don’t know what it means, but here is what he told me to tell you. I told him the message, and his entire face became white, and his lip began to quiver, and he began to cry.

To this day, I have no idea what that whole thing meant. I didn’t ask any questions. I delivered that message, turned around, and left the church. I don’t even know that man’s name.

Tonight, I found myself asking God yet again, “I feel lost, God. Am I on the right path?” It was on my mind all day. I was speaking with a good friend of mine this morning, and I found myself telling him the same thing. God is so faithful! After I asked that question again tonight, I opened His Word, and there it was the following passage,

"Man's steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way?" -Proverbs 20:24

What jumped up at me was, “Man cannot understand His ways.” We don’t understand our own way period. We must understand it is wisdom that acknowledges His sovereignty. God is omniscient and omnipresent. Mind blowing as it is, it means He knows everything from beginning to end. He is most aware of past, present, and future. We have no idea about future. This is why we feel lost at times. We want to know what about tomorrow? What will happen five years, ten years, or twenty years from now? We cannot know that information. We must trust God to work every single situation for our best and His glory.

We must clearly understand God orders our steps. Our footsteps are preordained, and they are no accident. They have purpose. They have meaning. They have destiny. Tonight, I was reminded of my Verona, Italy trip. In my sense of adventure to find Juliet’s Tomb, my steps were led into that church because there was a man in there praying, and for whatever the reason, God used me to be His mouthpiece, and deliver His Word.

Listen, we might feel lost at times, but the truth is we are not if we are abiding in Him. He leads us by our hand. Like a parent holds the hand of their child. That child is never worried crossing the street, holding tightly unto the hand of their parent. The child knows he/she is safe in the hands of their parent. God is our way. He knows exactly where He’s going and taking us. He is the Way, the Truth, and will lead us to a joyous life.

May I remind us, let’s just put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Let’s follow Him to lead us to our destination while enjoying our adventurous trip getting there. It’s hard to realize at times it’s not just about us in our journey rather it is about all those we meet along life’s path on our way to our destiny. The encounters we have are of no accident when we are walking with Him. They are filled with good things-work to be accomplished, and joy, love, and peace to be found in those times we feel out of control. Guess what? Those who put their trust in God shall never be put to shame.

Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro

INSIGHT: There are times when you feel like you are just wandering around or even as if you are "taking up space." God has ordered your steps. You are not taking up space. Your God has created you with purpose, with significance. In God, you are valuable because of the finished work of Christ on the cross. God has made you significant, and He has a work for you to do. No matter how small the task seems that God is asking you to do just do it. Because what God may have you do for someone or what God may have you say to someone will be meaningful to the one God sends you to. Are you trusting God with what you feel? Are you pouring your heart out to Him? Do you truly know your steps are ordered of the Lord, that your steps are ordained and are with purpose?

MEDITATE: "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3 ESV)

By being hidden in Christ, you are found. God is bigger than anything we feel. Walking with God requires stepping out in faith even if you think what God is telling you to do or say will make you look crazy.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, it's not about me. It is all about You, and You are worthy of my very best. Forgive me for the many times I spent moments and days so selfishly. Wash me clean. Thank You for being my Father, and thank You for giving my life meaning and making me significant. You, O God, are The One Who Has Ordered My Steps. Lead me in Your ways, and use me to make a difference in the lives of others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles

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