Off the Beaten Path - Encouragement for Today - July 15, 2026

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July 15, 2026

Off the Beaten Path
ALICE MATAGORA

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“and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19 (NIV)

A few days ago, I took a walk through a park my kids and I have frequented weekly for the past couple of years. We always hike to the dumpster at the top of the hill, admire the flowers, eat snacks, and cool off on the splash pad before heading to the playground.

This time, I was without my kids and without any agenda as I wandered. It turns out this park also houses a massive botanical garden.

Colorful flowers of all shapes and sizes, many of which I’d never seen before, were in bloom all around me. The sweet scent of roses and jasmine filled the air. There were courtyards filled with statues and gazebos. I sat under a tree with low-hanging branches bursting with red flowers while more hummingbirds than I could count chirped and chased one another.

All this beauty was here to behold this entire time, and I’m only now discovering it?

It can be the same with our relationship with God. We have our routines and rhythms that we’ve held on to for years, decades even. We have our comfortable theologians, favorite methods for engaging with the Scriptures, preferred worship styles, spiritual disciplines — you name it. And we rarely venture off the beaten path because the unknown is uncomfortable.

But what if we’re limiting our experience of all the fullness and beauty of God? What if there is more to behold in who He is and more to taste of His goodness to us?

Ephesians 3:16-19 says, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you … grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (NIV).

Interestingly Paul prayed for the Ephesians to “know this love that surpasses knowledge.” To me, this speaks to an experiential knowledge of the fullness of God’s love that surpasses simply an intellectual knowledge of God. Throughout Scripture, one of the ways God expands His people’s experiential knowledge of Him is through calling them to step out of their comfort zones and into the unknown. We see this when God powerfully led His people out of Egypt and into the promised land, a new experience of His goodness and love.

In one area of my life, I sense God calling me to walk new paths of obedience. It’s unknown and scary. But I also sense the promise of God’s presence with me as I walk with Him. As I step off the beaten path and take refuge in Him, I will experience a greater fullness, a deeper beauty, and a surprising goodness beyond what I could ever dream of or imagine.

Friends, when God calls us to walk new paths of faith, He promises His presence with us the entire way. As we trust Him, may we experience His goodness in new and unexpected ways.

Father, thank You for promising Your presence as we walk new paths of obedience. Help us to be courageous enough to take the first step of faith, that we may experience more of Your goodness, love, and beauty. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

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You Are My Miracle is a tender board book that celebrates the gift of every child — whether welcomed through birth, adoption, or after seasons of waiting. With gentle rhymes and heartfelt illustrations, this story reminds little ones they are an answer to prayer, created with purpose, and deeply loved by God.

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You can connect with Alice Matagora on Instagram or Facebook, or follow her on Substack.

Find out more about Alice’s books, including How to Save the World: Disciplemaking Made Simple, on her website!

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him" (NIV).

How would you describe your current knowledge of the love of God?

Is there anywhere in your life where you sense God calling you to walk new paths of obedience to Him? What keeps you from doing so? How might your experience of God deepen if you obey?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2026 by Alice Matagora. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org