All roads lead somewhere.

Over the weekend, we went for a drive through Belleville and Allensville on our way to hike Standing Stone Trail. I am always baffled by the beauty on this ridge. One can see gorgeous valley vistas and rolling mountain ridges that seem to have no end. The other baffling aspect of our Saturday afternoon adventure came about as a result of driving on some of the gravel roads in these wild areas.

I mean, who knew you could start out on Allensville road and cross over several boundaries connecting with other state game lands, state parks, and roll through Greenwood state park onto Penn Roosevelt and then Rothrock? The longer we drove the more adept I had to become at avoiding potholes and narrow roadways.

When I drive, I am always trying to figure out in my head where we might end up. One sign instructed us of route 322 being 3 miles ahead and so I began the process of reviewing all the unknown roads and turn-offs of 322 that might become our destination.

As it turns out, we arrived onto 322 at the base of Seven Mountains near the reservoir (upper right hand corner of the map). Many twists, turns, and direction changes were necessary in order for us to arrive to familiar territory.

In the midst of all the turmoil in our world, I have been studying the words of Jesus in John 14 where he said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, NIV) What does that mean? Is there only one way to God? If so, why?

If I stand in a pulpit and say, "The only way you get to God in heaven is through Jesus." you might argue my point and offer other ways to get to heaven. You might speak about spirituality and a list of religious practices from other world religions. You might speak about good works and doing good for people who can't help themselves, you might point to perfect church attendance or other humanitarian achievments.

The rub here is found in one fact, JESUS SAID, "I am the way and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." The Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) enjoys a unity and expresses all the characteristics of holiness. When one person of the Trinity speaks or acts it is always in conjunction with the other two persons.

Our journey to God in heaven will always have to include the road of Jesus Christ. That road includes this nugget from 1 John,

"If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the

truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the

blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves

and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:6-9, NIV)

Some of the roads we travel are dark and filled with potholes and steep drop-offs. Some roads don't even appear on a map, yet are traveled by many on a regular basis. Some roads are "No Outlet" and others are "No Winter Maintenance".

The road of Christ is determined by God and set forth by the Holy Spirit. We simply come to our senses, repent, confess, and follow the one who said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)

It's time to stop wandering and behold the wonder of God's plan for you.