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Barking Up the Wrong Tree part 1

Have you ever heard the idiom, "barking up the wrong tree?" It's an old saying that is basically describing someone who was wasting their energy chasing after the wrong thing.  Maybe they were on the right 'scent' for a little while, then it went crazy and the end result was, well, the wrong tree. You know, like a dog was on the trail of a squirrel, then the squirrel did a switch-a-roo and the dog ended up barking up the wrong tree?
Well, I've been there, putting efforts into the 'wrong tree' thinking I had the target in sight- I had the goal just were I wanted it and all I had to do was make a little noise and it'd be all mine for the taking.  That is until God decided to set me straight, point out my wrong path, and of all places He sent me to the bible book of Haggai to call me off the tree. Is there a book of Haggai? Who? What? We'll get there in a minute.

You see, I was chasing after earthly dreams that had no heavenly worth. I wanted to do what I wanted to do and thought that I knew the best way to reach these goals.  Funny thing happened- I didn't get very far.  Nothing worked out despite my strong efforts.  Paths didn't join up, the road was bumpy and well, it was the "wrong tree."  It was very frustrating to me when I was calling out for God to guide me but that the plans, my plans, weren't working out.  Seems silly, and I know you can see where I'm going with this, but when you are in the momentum of chasing that squirrel you are passionate about the squirrel and the squirrel alone.  It isn't until you feel the confusion of the 'switch-a-roo' that you realize you are the fool.  That's when God stepped in. When I let go. That is when I finally relaxed and just let God.  In hind sight, of course God was there guiding me all along.  Just not in the direction I thought to go.  He is so good in that way isn't He?

Am I confusing you with my analogy?  Here it is in plain English, no idiom included:  I was seeking after my desires and not what God desired for me to do.  My ways didn't work.  In His mercy, He showed me His plans for my life. And ever since I've given up my selfish ways and turned my life entirely up to Him...well, I'm stickin' with His ways.  His ways are perfect.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."
I've done this several times in my life, the barking up my own tree and not setting my sites on what God had in mind thing.  I'm sure I'll be there again, and again, and He will be there for me patiently redirecting me (again).

I realized that I've made the wrong move so I sat down with my Bible and flipped it open.  Whatever I landed on, I was going to read for I didn't really have anything particular that I was searching for.  Of all places, God showed me the book of Haggai.  "Really?" I thought, "Haggai? How is that Old Testament book going to help me?  I couldn't even locate the book of Haggai if someone asked me to let alone that it's going to enlighten me somehow.  Oh I'm wrong again. Did you ever read Haggai?

I'll give you a chance to take a read....and I'll continue this post to share what God laid on my heart through the words of Haggai.   Tune in next time!








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