The Ephesus Pages Devotional: The Pathfinder's Way

 "In the past, there had always been someone for me to lean on and at this point in my life, there was no one to keep me focused. The pain that began throbbing upon my forehead left me motionless at times. Pride had no place in this battle and my spirit grew heavier with every chaotic thought that found its way to the forefront of my mind." ~ John Mark ~

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We often find ourselves in moments that leave us feeling utterly alone. In the first episode of The Ephesus Pages: A Journey Begins, John Mark finds himself in a similar situation. He is burdened by the weight of his thoughts and by the absence of support. These words can resonate with anyone who feels they are facing a season of solitude and struggle. However, it is in these moments that we can find significant growth and build a more purposeful connection with God.

When we are surrounded by others, we rely more easily on their strength and guidance. I know for me that is something I struggle with often. I don’t enjoy being alone because having someone there with me for the journey ahead means that you don’t have to do everything on your own. The reality, though, is that when I find myself on my own, it is always an opportunity to lean into God on a more impactful level. In those moments of weakness, I can find strength in Him who can do all things. 

At a time when John Mark has found himself unable to rely on the guidance of his mentor Barnabas, his mind is overclouded with chaotic thoughts, and that throbbing pain is all too familiar to me. Sometimes I wonder just how much of myself gets added to my character’s personalities because John Mark and I have a lot of similarities. These feelings often leave me feeling paralyzed and unable to move forward. Why? Well, I’m not really sure, but I believe it is something we all face in these moments. 

One of my biggest faith stories comes from a night I was working at a camp as a counselor. My duty was to prepare devotionals every night and one of those nights the devotional focused on Elijah. It was the story in 1 Kings 19 where God spoke to Elijah in the stillness of God’s gentle whisper. Just like Elijah, I have never heard God’s voice in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire. I hear it as a gentle whisper amid the chaotic storm of thoughts that run through my mind on any day. 

It is in those moments that my mind can often get overwhelmed and I must turn my focus to the quiet places to even get close to hearing God’s voice. I get so wrapped up in the moments of chaos that I forget to ask God to show me the way. My focus goes out the window and I can’t respond to a situation as fast as I should. Being the stubborn individual that I am, I frustrate myself because I feel like I should be able to overcome those moments like everyone else. 

What it comes down to, among a few other things, is this feeling of pride? Whether I need to seek help from others or God, I always think that I have to figure out things on my own. In John Mark’s case, there isn’t much of an option because he is about to embark on his journey to Ephesus alone. While he doesn’t hesitate, like I would, to step out and move into this new season of life, there is still this feeling that he has to face the journey ahead on his own. 

While this is not the result of his pride, the thought still has a place in his mind because he can’t control where the chaotic thoughts he is experiencing will take him. In truth, John Mark is struggling to find his way through his chaotic mind. When the moments of solitude and struggle come, we are always faced with the intrusive thoughts that strive to lead us astray. Instead of giving in to those thoughts, we need to turn to God and lean into HIS everlasting arms that lead us into his presence. 

As we do, we discover we are never truly alone. God is with us and he desires to guide us through the chaos and pain so we can find a place of peace and rest. May we embrace these moments of solitude in our own lives? As we seek comfort in knowing that God is our refuge and strength, let us embrace the season we find ourselves in, even when it leaves us feeling alone. May we allow God’s gentle whisper to guide us through the storms we face?

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"God is our refuge and strength, A very ready help in trouble."

~ Psalm 46:1 (NASB) ~

See You in the Pages,

M.J.E