The Long Journey That Leads Us Back to God

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)"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."

Introduction

Life is a journey, and for many, it is a long and winding road back to God. Some of us seek truth in many places—spirituality, self-help, and mysticism—only to find that something is always missing. The world promises enlightenment, fulfillment, and divine power apart from God, but true peace can only be found in Him.

Satan’s greatest tactic is deception. He doesn’t come with blatant lies; instead, he disguises them with just enough truth to be convincing. The best lies are hidden in truth—99% truth and 1% lie is enough to knock you off course. Like a GPS leading you straight off a cliff instead of to your intended destination, these false teachings promise direction but lead to destruction.

The Devil’s Unauthorized Use of God’s Power

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV)"And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."

One of the biggest spiritual traps today is the unauthorized use of God's power. In the New Age movement, people use biblical principles—faith, manifestation, the power of words—without acknowledging the One who created them. Books like A Course in Miracles teach that we are divine beings who can command our own reality, but they omit the essential truth: God is the source of all power, and apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

The "I AM" Discourses misapply God's sacred name (Exodus 3:14) by teaching that we can claim divinity simply by declaring "I AM." But when we use God's name to manifest personal power without submitting to His will, we fall into the same trap as Lucifer, who sought to elevate himself above God (Isaiah 14:12-15).

It’s like stealing your neighbor’s Wi-Fi—using their service without contributing, without permission, and without rightful access. Just because you can connect doesn’t mean you have authority over the source. Many people unknowingly use biblical principles while rejecting the Author of those principles.

Seeking Without Finding: The New Age Chase

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:14 (NIV)"I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind."

Many today call themselves "spiritual but not religious." They seek enlightenment in crystals, tarot, energy healing, and law of attraction, but they never find lasting fulfillment. Why? Because God will allow you to explore everything under the sun, but without Him, it will never satisfy. You will always be chasing, always searching, always feeling that something is missing.

God allows the journey. He allows people to wander because He knows that every step—even the detours—can be used for His glory. Like the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), we sometimes have to experience the emptiness of the world before we recognize our need for the Father’s love.

God's Plan: Molding You Into a Warrior for Christ

Scripture: Romans 8:28 (NIV)"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."

Your journey is not wasted. Every wrong turn, every deception, every moment of searching—God can use it all to shape you into the person He has called you to be. If you have been caught in the false light of New Age spirituality, God is calling you home.

Like Moses, who spent 40 years in the wilderness before leading God’s people (Exodus 3:1-12), and like Paul, who once persecuted Christians before becoming a mighty apostle (Acts 9:1-22), your past experiences are part of your preparation. God is using everything to mold you into a warrior for Christ.

A Special Calling for Those Who Are Different

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV)"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."

Some people are born different. They see things others can’t. They have special gifts—intuition, sensitivity to energy, or healing abilities. The enemy will try to take those gifts and twist them for his own purposes, leading people into New Age practices. But God always wins. He gave you those gifts for a reason: to serve His kingdom.

If you have ever felt out of place, if you have ever wondered why you are different, know that it is because you are chosen. You are a warrior for Christ. The devil wants to make you feel ashamed of your gifts or use them for darkness, but God wants you to surrender them to Him. He will use them for His glory.

Let go of guilt. Love yourself. Surrender to God. Love is unconditional, which means loving yourself and others—including your enemies. God’s love is not about shame or fear; it is about freedom and truth.

Fulfillment Is a Choice: God Is the Ultimate Source

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

Fulfillment and happiness are not found in the universe, vibrations, or self-empowerment—they are found in God alone. Everything in creation points back to Him. He is the source of all things, and only in Him will you find true peace.

While the world offers temporary solutions, God offers eternal life. His love never condemns, never shames, never manipulates. He simply invites you to return home. He has been there all along, guiding and protecting you even in your wandering.

The Power of Surrender: Seeing Yourself Clearly

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.'"

Ultimate surrender to God is the only way to truly see clearly. When we let go of our own plans, our own control, and our own understanding, we begin to see ourselves as God sees us. We are not meant to be our own gods—we are created for His purpose.

When you surrender, you stop striving, you stop chasing, and you finally find rest. Surrender is not about giving up; it is about giving in to the One who knows you better than you know yourself. You were made for Him. You were made with purpose. And when you let go, you will find the peace and fulfillment that only He can give.

Conclusion: You Were Made for a Purpose

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart."

You are not an accident. You are not lost beyond hope. God created you with purpose, and your journey—even the parts that led you away—can be used for His glory. He is calling you back, not with guilt, but with love.

If you have been seeking truth in spirituality, manifestation, or self-empowerment, it is time to acknowledge the One who holds all power. God alone is the ultimate source, and He is waiting for you to return.

Why Good Souls Face Persecution

Scripture: John 15:18-19 (NIV)"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

If you are a good soul, if you walk in truth, people will hurt you. Why? Because darkness hates light. Jesus was perfect, yet He was mocked, betrayed, beaten, and crucified by His own creation. When you live in the truth of God, expect to be misunderstood, criticized, and even attacked.

But take heart—your suffering is not in vain. Just as Jesus endured pain for a greater purpose, your struggles serve a divine purpose. You are a beacon of light in a dark world. With that light comes responsibility, and sometimes, suffering. But know this: the battle is already won, and God will use every hardship to strengthen you.

Closing Prayer: Father, thank You for never giving up on ME. Thank You for guiding ME even when I wander. I surrender MY search to You and ask for Your truth to fill ME. Lead ME home, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.