Connie Cavanaugh

What we really want to know when times are tough is: Did I hear God clearly? Am I on the right path? Is He with me? What we are trying to discern by asking these three questions is: am I following God or me?

Even though the bible teaches us to expect storms (see Matt 14) when we follow Jesus, our natural reaction when the wind picks up and the seas get choppy is to question whether or not we should be in this boat on this sea at this time. If it looks like we might go under we want to make very sure we got it right!

God knows we are prone to doubt and worry so He helps us to follow Him, doubts and all. Because He loves us, He sends us assurances - I like to call them proofs -- on a regular basis. I call these proofs chocolates on the trail. So what does "Hansel meets Hershey" mean for the Christ follower? Let me explain.

Some German friends of mine taught their toddlers to hike by bringing Hershey Kisses on their alpine rambles. They watched the kiddos closely and when they noticed they were ready to flop down on their diaper and quit, they would strategically place a chocolate a few paces ahead on the trail and then urge the wee one to keep walking because he might find goodies further down the path. It worked. They raised a family of avid ramblers by placing chocolates on the trail.

The best example of how this has worked in my life is the time I got a traffic ticket (totally unfair and undeserved of course!) when my husband was a seminary student in Mill Valley California. The $60 fine equaled two weeks groceries at the time. I was so upset I almost missed seeing the chocolates on the trail.

Two letters--one addressed to me and one to my husband--from the government of our home province showed up in our California mailbox soon after my run-in with the law. "Oh no! They found us!" was my guilty reaction when I saw the official envelopes, since I was still smarting from the hefty fine.

I opened my envelope and found something I had never seen before. It was a government-issued check for $32 labeled: "The good driver reward." Seriously! I ripped open my husband's envelope. His check was $43! I guess he was a better driver than me after all-at least, that's what's he's always tried to tell me.

Chocolates on the trail. 

In His grace, God was just making sure I knew, in the midst of my anxiety, doubt and guilt, that, yes, we were exactly where we needed to be. We were on the right path. He was definitely with us and would continue to take care of all our needs in wonderful, wacky ways. Our job was to stay the course and trust Him.

What's happening on your "trail"? Have you faced some storms? (Please forgive the mixed metaphors and don't tell Mrs. Legatt, my Grade 11 English teacher who always believed in me) Are you feeling a little wind-whipped right now? Is it causing you to question your position or your call? Start looking for the chocolates He is putting along the trail you are walking by faith. When you see one, stop and thank Him that you did hear Him right, you are on the right path, and you're not alone. When you find that "chocolate" be assured that He is with you and He wants you to keep walking.   

What have been some of your "chocolates?"  Meet us in the forum or devotional and tell us about the sweetness of your chocolates!