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Which Way Will You Go? (Devo by Stevo)

Which Way Will You Go? (Devo by Stevo)

Alternative Routes, Part One

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Which Way Will You Go

A Five Day Devotional Journey

DAY 1: THE CHOICE BEFORE US

Scripture: Matthew 2:12 - "And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route."

After encountering Jesus, the Magi faced a critical decision: return to Herod as requested or take a different path home. This choice represented something far deeper than mere travel logistics—it was a decision between two kingdoms. Would they align themselves with Herod, who represented worldly power, deception, and self-preservation? Or would they follow divine guidance that led them away from such influences after meeting the true King?

We face similar crossroads daily. After encountering Jesus in worship, prayer, or His Word, we must decide which path to take. Will we return to our "Herods"—those things that promise security, comfort, or status but ultimately lead us away from God's kingdom? Or will we choose the alternative route that honors our encounter with Christ, even when that path seems unfamiliar or challenging?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, like the Magi, I have encountered You and bowed in worship. Help me recognize the paths that lead back to worldly values and give me courage to choose the way that honors You, even when it's unfamiliar or difficult. Guide my steps today as I seek to walk on Your path rather than return to old ways. Amen.

DAY 2: NEW CREATIONS TAKE NEW PATHS

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

When we meet Jesus and truly bow before Him, transformation occurs. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly and can never return to its former state, our encounter with Christ fundamentally changes who we are. This isn't simply about behavior modification or improved decision-making. In Christ, we become entirely new beings with transformed perspectives, priorities, and purposes.

True transformation inevitably leads to new pathways. If we claim to have met Jesus yet continue walking the exact same routes as before, we must question the depth of our encounter. The alternative route the Magi took symbolizes the natural response to meeting Christ—we cannot help but walk differently afterward. Today, consider areas where your path should look different because of your relationship with Jesus. Are there old routes you're still traveling by habit when God is calling you to a new way?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for making me a new creation in Christ. Help me recognize where I'm still walking old paths out of habit or fear. Give me the courage to embrace the new routes that reflect my transformed heart and mind. May my life demonstrate that I've truly encountered You, not just in my words but in the paths I choose each day. Amen.

DAY 3: INTENTIONAL DECISIONS

Scripture: Joshua 24:15 - "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Joshua presented the Israelites with a clear decision: follow God wholeheartedly or choose other gods. There was no middle ground, no option to worship both. Similarly, the Magi had to make an intentional decision about which way to go—they couldn't simultaneously return to Herod and take the alternative route home. Both paths weren't possible.

Our spiritual journey consists of countless intentional decisions. Each day presents moments where we must choose between God's path and other options that seem more comfortable, convenient, or culturally acceptable. We can't straddle both worlds indefinitely. Like Joshua, we must decide whom we will serve, and like the Magi, we must intentionally choose which route to take. These decisions aren't made once but repeatedly, moment by moment, as we navigate life's complexities.

Prayer: Lord, I recognize that I stand at crossroads every day, having to choose between Your way and other paths. Like Joshua, I declare today that I will serve You. Give me discernment to recognize those daily decision points and courage to consistently choose Your path, even when it's unpopular or challenging. May my intentional decisions reflect my commitment to Your kingdom. Amen.

DAY 4: TAKING THE FIRST STEP

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Sometimes the alternative route God calls us to travel seems impossibly long, difficult, or uncertain. We look at the distance between where we are and where God is calling us, and the gap feels overwhelming. Yet God doesn't ask us to make the entire journey immediately—He simply asks for the next step.

Whether you're contemplating your very first step with Jesus or you've walked thousands of miles with Him already, the question remains the same: What will your next step be? Success in the Christian journey isn't about perfection; as Winston Churchill noted, it's about "stumbling from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." God isn't waiting for you to have the entire journey figured out. He's simply inviting you to take the next step on the path, trusting Him for what lies beyond what you can see.

Prayer: Jesus, sometimes Your path seems too challenging or the destination too distant. Thank You for not requiring that I understand the entire journey at once. Help me focus on just the next step of faith You're asking me to take. Give me the courage to move forward, even when I can't see the full path ahead. As I stumble and learn to walk with You, keep my enthusiasm alive through Your presence with me. Amen.

DAY 5: WALKING TOGETHER

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."

The Christian journey was never meant to be walked alone. When we choose the alternative route of following Jesus, we join a community of fellow travelers who support each other along the way. Unlike the world's path that often values independence and self-sufficiency, God's path embraces interdependence and mutual support.

On God's path, we recognize that we will sometimes stumble and fall—but we never have to worry about falling without being helped up again. The hand of our Father is always reaching down to lift us, and He also provides the hands of brothers and sisters in Christ to support us. Similarly, we extend our hands to others who stumble. Those ahead reach back to those behind; those behind call out to those ahead. Together, at different points on the journey but united in purpose, we walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of community on this journey of faith. Help me to both accept help when I need it and offer support to others who are struggling. Keep me from the pride that wants to walk alone or the fear that prevents me from reaching out. May our church truly embody what it means to walk together on Your path, encouraging one another toward love and good deeds. As we walk at different points along the way, unite us in our shared commitment to follow Jesus, step by step. Amen.