The Maze and the Map

Many years ago, a very wealthy man lived in a spacious castle near a small village. He had vaults full of gold and silver and his estate stretched on for miles and miles. One day the man came into the village and announced that he had built a giant maze on his property. The walls were very high, and it stretched out over several hundred acres. He had placed all of his gold and silver in the center of the maze; any man who could get to it could have everything.

Since everyone in the village was very poor, each man packed a few things into a sack, said goodbye to his family, and set out to find the treasure. After several weeks, a few emerged from the maze. They told of men dying and others insane from getting lost.

One day a young man stood at the entrance, thinking about his own journey, when he heard a voice behind him say, "Are you going in alone?" Startled, the young man turned and saw an old man behind him. "No, I am afraid. Many men have lost their lives in there, and saw an old man behind him. "No, I am afraid. Many men have lost their lives in there, and I would surely die also." The old man looked deep into his eyes and said, "My son, I built that maze, and I have the map. I know every corner and turn. You can follow me, and I will lead you straight to the treasure. Now stay close and walk in my path."

Psalm 32:8 (NIV), "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."

The young man had the benefit of walking through the maze with its creator. Christians have the benefit of following the Maker and Creator of all through life's twists and turns. Our challenge to you: What are some ways you can make sure you are walking with the Lord? Write them down now. Ask God to help you follow Him more closely in each of these areas.