“Now eagerly desire the greater gifts And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:31)

Strong’s Greek Dictionary defines “way” in this verse as a road or a journey:

A way – (Strong’s Greek 3598 – A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; a mode or means

This verse is talking about the specific journey that God has for all of us. The first step is learning to love ourselves because we were created in the image of God and that means we cannot hate or despise ourselves. How can we love others while hating ourselves?

This verse also talks about the many gifts God gives His children to serve Him. We serve God best when we embrace our unique gifts and talents that have been given for us to serve this world.  Each one of has a purpose that we can step into and live out our journey through life.

This verse has been ringing in my ears these past months because life’s journey will have its challenges. There will be rough roads, traffic jams, detours and of course those relentless questions did I take the right turn?

And I have understood that there is always a message or lesson waiting for me when I feel frustrated or anxious.

• Is there something I need to let go of?
• Am I being honest with what I really want in life?
• Have I veered off track and become distracted? 
• Am I being true to myself and the gifts God has given me to help me walk in my purpose?

When I am frustrated and overwhelmed, I know that I have to clear the deck and remove the obstacles, mostly in my mind, that are blocking my path.

Set yourself aside to reflect, not judge, but understand what is causing your frustration and preventing you from being true to yourself and the gifts God has given you.

Through the frustrations we experience, God will show us a better way, what to remove from our path, how to deal with distractions and keep us on track with the journey He has for us.

The ‘better way’ involves loving God, ourselves and embracing the unique gifts He has bestowed to help us walk in love and serve with love .