Two Paths, One Peace — A Lesson in Trust and Surrender

karenjuly1965
Jul 25
3 min read

Let His light lead you—especially when the path is unclear. We weren’t made to blend into the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. When we walk in truth, even hard truth, God shows us the better way—the way of peace. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”—Romans 12:2 — Let His light lead you—especially when the path is unclear. We weren’t made to blend into the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. When we walk in truth, even hard truth, God shows us the better way—**the way of peace.** “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”—Romans 12:2

This week, two very different types of people crossed my path. And what the Lord showed me through it all reminded me again of the peace that comes when we choose to follow Jesus—and let His Spirit lead, even when it costs something.

Earlier in the week, I had to deal with someone who made me raise my voice just to be heard. The interaction left my spirit uneasy. I didn’t want to pay them—not just because of the work, but because of what I discerned in my spirit: deception, blame-shifting, and a refusal to walk in truth. It was hard. But I took the wise counsel of a young man I trust—much like his daddy before him—and did what was right in God’s eyes, not just my own.

Though I cringed at paying an unsubstantiated late fee and releasing them from finishing the work, I paid in full and cut ties—on my dime. Why? Because honoring God and walking in integrity matters more than winning a dispute. And the moment I did, my heart felt free. No more knots. No more pretending. No more tying myself to people who say one thing and do another.

Jesus warned us:

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”—Matthew 7:15 (KJV)

Not everyone who appears gentle is walking in light. But when you live surrendered to Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives you discernment—to see clearly and walk wisely. And sometimes the most powerful obedience is in walking away with peace, not pride.

Later in the week, I experienced the opposite: my team, like family, showed up with excellence, kindness, and a heart to serve beyond what money could ever buy. Their work spoke of Jesus without needing to preach a word. They honored me in the way they worked—and in the way they lived.

Two different spirits. Two different outcomes. One God showing me the difference—and the power of choosing His way.

A Deeper Call — Why Jesus Asks Us to Repent

This brought me back to something deeper.

Jesus said:

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.”—Matthew 20:28 (KJV)

Jesus didn’t come to be served—He came to serve. And He still asks us to come to Him in truth. He wants us to tell Him what happened—not because He doesn’t already know, but because repentance is where healing begins. It’s not just saying “I’m sorry.” It’s telling the truth of the heart:

“Lord, here’s how I got here. This is what I was chasing. This is what I misunderstood.”

Christ Jesus makes us think.

God asks questions to awaken purpose.

“What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?” —Mark 10:51

We help in some areas, and we fall short in others.

Some people work for the world. Others work for the Lord.

And we have to learn to see the difference.

So don’t just ask, “Why did this happen?

”Ask:

• “What happened?

”• “Where is the truth?

”• “What is the solution?

”• “What is my part in this, Lord?”

You have to recognize you’re lost before you can ask to be found.

And Jesus came to seek and save the lost—

including me,

and including you.

The Way Forward

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”—Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV)

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

Friend, we are not called to conform to this world or its ways, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That happens when we invite Jesus into the full story—when we surrender our ways, confess the truth, and walk in His.

Let His light guide you—even when it reveals what you'd rather not see.

Because in that light, we find peace.

And in surrender, we find strength.