In her book A Slow and Certain Light, Elisabeth Elliot recounted the story of a couple of American explorers who had sought her out in their journey through the Amazon jungle.

Elisabeth had taken up residence among the Waodani people in Ecuador – the same people group that had murdered her husband and four other missionaries only a couple of years prior. In the ensuing span of time, the tribe had come to love and accept Elisabeth, her young daughter, and Rachel Saint - the wife of one of the other missionaries who had been martyred. Elisabeth and Rachel were living out the love of Christ amid the Waodani, and the message of forgiveness and grace walked out in real time was slowly transforming the hearts of the people.

The two explorers in Elisabeth’s story had purposely tracked her down because they knew she spoke English. They were hopeful that she could help them as they planned their expedition further into the jungle. They asked her if she might be able to supply some type of map of the wild country surrounding the village.

Elisabeth knew that although a map would provide direction, it couldn’t provide the men with an awareness of the potential dangers and unforeseen challenges they might encounter. Nothing they had done in their training for this venture could prepare them for those things. She responded to their request, saying this: “You don’t need a map. You need a guide.”

What the explorers needed most was the leadership of someone well experienced in navigating the terrain, the wildlife, and the unexpected; however, confident in their own skills, they passed on the offer of a guide and proceeded on their way. Elisabeth never saw or heard from them again.

Do you know someone on a hard journey right now? Is that “someone” you? Do you have a growing stack of self-help books piling up on your nightstand? A few podcasts in your queue that you’re hoping will lead you to your big “Aha!” moment? Are you heading back to the therapist this week, looking for the formula that will fix what you’re facing?

Y’all, I believe God can use a well written book, the words spoken by a wise podcaster, and the good counsel of a trained therapist. God can and does use anything He wants to bring healing to hurting people. But when your soul is searching and answers are elusive, as Elisabeth would say, “You don’t need a map. You need a guide.” I’m suggesting that the “Guide” you need is Jesus, and if you’re looking for help, I’d start with Him.

He sees the end of your journey, and if you’ll lean on Him, He’ll protect you from pitfalls ahead that you can’t even see just yet. He made you, and He knows you better than you know yourself so He’s going to lead you down the path best suited for your growth and strengthening. He also knows that to keep fear and discouragement from causing you to abandon the quest, the wisest way to move forward is to place your hand in His and trust Him with each step you take.

Friend, the most important move you can make toward healing is to enlist that trustworthy Guide. Surrender your heart – and your troubles – to the One Who’s gone before you and has paved the way to peace, joy, and hope. He’s fully knowledgeable and equipped. He’s traveled the road of suffering all the way to the cross and has come out on the other side with victory and life firmly in His hand! Why delay accepting such a beautiful offer?!

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“The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” – Isaiah 58:11

“You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory.” – Psalm 73:24

“Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” – Psalm 25:4-5

“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” – Psalm 16:11

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6