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Writer's pictureMark Alan Williams

Thy Way, Not Mine O Lord, However Dark It Be;

Updated: Mar 26, 2019

…lead me by thine own hand; choose out the path for me.

This quote expresses the Christian who is so committed to God’s way that not even the fear of a dark path can dissuade them from following Him. They understand that there is no failure when God leads or in His will.


Horatius Bonar was a Scottish author, preacher and hymn writer who lived in the 1800’s. This quote is from the hymn, “Thy way, not mine, O Lord” and is just 1 of over 100 hymns that he wrote. He was acquainted with the dark path, as 5 of his children died while they were still young.


This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.



In 2003, my husband was doing well enough for me to quit my full-time job as an Administrative Assistant to stay home with my then pre-teen children. I was grateful, but I struggled with the transition–I felt lost because sadly much of my identity and satisfaction in life came from work.


I asked the Lord to help me navigate through this time and just happened to pick up a copy of the “Purpose Driven Life”, by Rick Warren. This book resonated with me and confirmed what I had been reading in the Bible. In addition to serving my family; I clearly understood that God was leading me to become actively involved as a member of a local church, join a weekly women’s Bible study, know and use my Spiritual gifts; and last but not least, help others come to Christ and grow as committed followers.


I fully embraced God’s way and path for me. Although, it has been dark at times, He’s brought blessings out of every challenge and faithfully led me every step of the way.


We can choose to live our way, or we can surrender our will and live God’s way. If we choose His way, we won’t be disappointed, because His way is always best; regardless of how dark it may be at times. We are wise if we trust Him to lead us by His hand and choose the path for us.


God’s way for us to live is by faith through a personal relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus is the way for us to be reconciled with God, receive forgiveness for our sins; and have eternal life.

The first step to living God’s way is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.


Please click here if you would like to do so now.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV)

Jesus is the only way to God and when we ask Him to be our Lord and Savior; we surrender control of our lives to Him, and He becomes the boss of our life.


Then we surrender to Him daily as Luke 9:23-24 says, “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (NIV)


And Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (NIV)


The Christian life is one of self-denial and surrender. Which means that in every situation, rather than make our own decisions; we pause and ask the Lord what He would have us do and what would please Him?


We can actually know the will and mind of the Lord through His Word!


Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (NIV)


If the path gets dark because of challenges, we need not fear, because God will take hold of our hand and lead us.


This quote says it well:

God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.” Jim Elliot

We can let God choose our path because we know that He is good and His plans for us are good.


We have the promise of Romans 8:28 which says, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)


Although, His way and plans may not always feel good, they are working for our good.

Are you following God’s way and path for your life?


Please click here if you would like to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.


Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.


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