Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)

Seven times we see the words ways or paths in this Psalm and each time they represent the many moments of decisions in our lives… Holy Moments, if you will. And we know that God will be faithful to guide us along the correct paths. God leads us through the myriad of challenges in our lives and God is a faithful and constant presence.

Several years ago when we were travelling through Italy, we visited the coastal area of Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre comprises five villages that are connected by hiking trails and the towns with their colourful houses and vineyards cling to steep terraces. In Corniglia it’s a stunning 100 meters above sea level and to get to the village you have to climb 382 stairs, which we did. I love walks but that was ridiculous!

One particular day, while Brian and I were out exploring, we ended up on what I thought was the steepest path I had ever been on. We were both struggling —particularly Brian who was literally pulling me up the hill. As we were slowly making our way up this hill, we watched in amazement as a little old Italian woman came up from behind and effortlessly sailed right past us. She wasn’t even breaking a sweat. It was both embarrassing and a marvel.

After going a fair distance ahead, she turned back to invite us to stop in at her winery at the top of the hill, she then scurried on ahead. When we finally got to the top, sweating and desperate for a respite, we entered the most magnificent patio overlooking the family winery which was terraced into the rocky hills. The wine and charcuterie she offered were amazing, and as we took it all in — the vista, the beauty of the villa we stumbled on, the wine and food, our new friend with strong legs — we realized it was absolutely worth the climb up even though we had no idea any of that was there!

Here is what we can count on in life: the path is not always easy.

But know this: God will guide you in situations seemingly beyond your capacity to bear; you will be stretched beyond your ability; you will come through moments of despair, but you must stay on the path. Keep your hope in God all the time. And never forget that God has your best interest in mind.

If you stay committed to the path, no matter how challenging or difficult it may be you will arrive at exactly the place where God meant for you to be.