“Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
On the morning of October 20, 2016, I had a short but striking dream. A man called me as I stood outside the house. When I asked why, all he said was, “Pathfinding.” He led me into a room where people were being instructed. Then I woke up.
That single word—Pathfinding—stayed with me.
What Is Pathfinding?
According to computer science, pathfinding is plotting the shortest route between two points. It’s about finding the best way through a maze or network. Spiritually, the question arises: Do Christians also struggle with the “shortest path problem”?
Many try shortcuts to heaven:
If only I shake hands with the pastor…
If only I sing in the choir…
If only I build a church or give to the poor…
If only I have a Bible degree or visit the Vatican…
But none of these are the path to eternal life. The true way is not religion, good works, or human effort—it is Jesus Himself.
God’s Provided Way
Jesus warned: “He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” (John 10:1)
Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we cannot invent our own route. They had no maps, but God had already prepared the way, leading them by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Ex. 13:21). Any attempt to take another route led to death—as the Egyptians discovered in the Red Sea.
God’s fire still leads His people today through the Holy Spirit. Sadly, many look at the Bible but do not understand it, just as Israel looked at the pillar of fire without discerning God’s presence.
Examples of the True Path
Daniel walked faithfully even into the lions’ den.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm, and in the fire they met the Son of God (Dan. 3:24–25).
Noah preached the way of escape in his day, but the world rejected it.
Israel often strayed from the path, until blindness in part happened to them (Rom. 11:25).
The lesson is clear: God provides the path, but unbelief keeps people from walking in it.
The Narrow Way
Jesus told us plainly: “Go in through the narrow gate… the way that leads to life is hard, and there are few who find it.” (Matt. 7:13–14)
Why is it narrow? Because it is Christ alone—His Word, His Spirit, His cross. Many turned away when Jesus declared, “Except you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no life in you.” (John 6:53, 66). But Peter confessed the truth: “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68).
A Personal Testimony
I once thought I was a Christian, but in truth I was only a churchgoer in a religious system—lost with a map I couldn’t read. At age 36, my life was going nowhere: no job, no wife, still with my parents. One night I dreamed I was in a great fire, crying for help. When I awoke, I felt drawn back to God.
I prayed for a true place of worship, and God answered. Soon a pastor came to our home, led me to Christ, and baptized me in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I finally found the narrow way. Even when I stumble, God strengthens me to rise again and continue.
Wrong Paths, Right Path
Like Jeroboam who built false altars, many leaders today create their own ways of worship, leading people astray. But God’s appointed place is not a building—it is His Word. If a pastor departs from the Word, the flock may end up on the broad road to Babylon.
The Bible is our road map to heaven. It will guide us if we study it with the Spirit’s help. As Isaiah said: “If you wander off the road… you will hear his voice behind you saying, Here is the road. Follow it.” (Isa. 30:21).
Jesus the Pathfinder
History remembers men like Columbus and Vasco da Gama for opening new routes. But the greatest Pathfinder is Jesus Christ. He discovered, opened, and walked the road of the cross for us, and now leads all who will follow.
If you are lost, call on Him. If you are weary, lean on Him. He is not only the guide—He is the Way itself.
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24)
