Daddy built a tepee in the woods for 5-year-old Bree and her 3-year-old sister Abby. Then he constructed a playhouse for them in a nearby fallen tree. When the leaves were off the trees, the children could see the family cabin from their hideouts. But in the tangled underbrush of summer, the girls thought they were deep in the scary woods.

So Dad took an ax and clippers into the woods and cut a trail from the back door of the cabin to the playhouse, then to the tepee and back to the cabin. The sisters felt safe and secure because the path was easy to follow.

We may wish that God would blaze a trail for us through the deep woods of the future, but that's not His way. He doesn't leave us without guidance, though. We learn something of His loving character when we see what He did for Israel as they left Egypt. He "went before them" and showed the way by the pillars of cloud and fire (Ex. 13:21).

Today we aren't led by dramatic signs like fire and cloud. But God has given something better--the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:26; Gal. 5:16,18).

You may never see a clear path through life. But as you follow the Holy Spirit's leading and God's written Word, you'll know where to turn when the way isn't clear.  — David C. Egner