The path

God’s Will Has a Destination

The path that is shaped by God’s will is never without a destination.

History gives us many powerful testimonies that remind us of this truth. One such incident involves the missionary Barnabas Shaw. When he and his wife traveled to Cape Town, South Africa, with the desire to serve God through evangelistic work, the local authorities refused to grant them permission.

Humanly speaking, it seemed like a closed door.

Yet Barnabas believed firmly that if God had called him, God also had a purpose. He trusted that God would not send His servants without direction. Acting in faith, Barnabas purchased two oxen, tied them to a cart, and began a journey into the interior of the land with his wife, without knowing the final destination, but fully trusting God to lead the way.

After traveling nearly 450 kilometers from Cape Town, they stopped at a resting place along the road. It was there that God revealed the purpose He had prepared for them.

A group of travelers arrived and stayed at the same location. When Barnabas spoke with them, he discovered that they were bandits. Surprisingly, when they learned that Barnabas and his wife were missionaries who had come to share God’s message, the leader of the group rejoiced and said:

“We are thieves, but we all want to change. We were on our way to Cape Town looking for God’s people who could show us the right path. God Himself has sent you to us.”

They welcomed the missionaries, offered them protection and hospitality, and opened the door for Barnabas to begin his evangelistic ministry among them.

Stories like this are not mere coincidences. They reflect a biblical principle that is consistent throughout Scripture.

God Leads Even When We Do Not Know the Way

When Abraham began his journey of faith, he did not know where he was going, but God knew exactly where He was leading him.

In the New Testament, the book of Acts shows us how God guided the Apostle Paul. The Holy Spirit prevented him from preaching in Asia. When Paul attempted to go into Bithynia, the Spirit of Jesus did not permit it. So they passed through Mysia and came to Troas.

There, during the night, Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

(Acts 16:6–8)

What appeared to be delays and closed doors were actually divine direction.

A Truth We Must Remember

Our journey is not governed by our own understanding but by God’s sovereign will. When we surrender our plans to Him, He aligns our steps with His purpose.

The Bible reminds us:

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

A Word of Encouragement

To everyone who is facing difficulty, uncertainty, or delay while walking in God’s will, do not lose heart. What may feel like confusion is often preparation. What seems like a detour may be divine guidance.

There is a destination ahead on the journey of faith.

God has already prepared it.

Walk forward with patience.

Trust His leading.

He will not fail.

God bless you all.

-Elisha Bonnke