On occasion, I get the idea not to walk on the woods road but to walk directly to the ridge, thinking I will get more exercise. There is nothing wrong with this rationale, but my evaluation of the terrain and my abilities to make the ascent are where I fail. The terrain is too rugged and the incline too steep, and I find myself retreating back to the woods road.
My faith walk suffers from the same problem. I get the idea that I can go off on my own and get ahead of God. I find this is not a good choice and end up running back to God and getting back on his path.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all.”