W
Have you ever really just not wanted to do something? You dreaded whatever it was you were to do? But after you did it you were so glad you did. We are like this so many times with God. He wants us to do something, He speaks to us and tries to lead us, but we shut Him out.
Every morning I read Jesus Calling. I have read it for several years, and I still learn something new every time I read them. Yesterday this was the devotional:
Be willing to follow wherever I lead. Follow Me wholeheartedly, with glad anticipation quickening your pace. Though you don’t know what lies ahead, I know, and that is enough? Some of my richest blessings are just around the bend: out of sight but nonetheless very real. To receive these gifts, you must walk by faith- not by sight. This doesn’t mean closing your eyes to what is all around you. It means subordinating the visible world to the invisible Shepherd of your soul.
Sometimes I lead you up a high mountain with only My hand to support you. The higher you climb, the more spectacular the view becomes also, the more keenly you sense your separation from the world with all its problems. This frees you to experience exuberantly the joyous reality of my presence. Give yourself fully to these glory moments awash in dazzling light. I will eventually lead you down the mountain, back into community with others. Let my light continue to shine within you as you walk among people again.
There are a few words I want to point out:
Be willing to follow wherever I lead
We are to follow Christ wherever he leads us no matter what.
Follow me wholeheartedly
This means complete commitment.
Though you don’t know what lies ahead
We are to follow even though we have no idea what we are going to encounter.
Blessings are around the corner.
When we follow Christ there will be blessings waiting on us.
He leads us up high mountains with His hand supporting us separating us from the world.
When we follow Him the road may not be easy it may be up a mountain, but He is supporting us and reminded us that it is not about the world but only about Him.
Do you follow every time Jesus calls you to follow?
Brother Bryan has been doing a sermon series on “God Speaks.” Yesterday he told us we should ACT when we hear Him speak.
Do you put that into practice? Do you follow when He leads you?
Brother Bryan dug into some Biblical stories to remind us of those who acted who followed who were led up mountains but was supported by God. They had to walk by faith and not by sight.
Mary (Luke 1:26-38) can you imagine being Mary. You are doing life how you have it planned. You are engaged to be married and can’t wait to begin your life together; however, that soon changes. The angel of the Lord visits her and tells her that she is going to be a mother. Can you imagine? Wait a minute? But what does Mary do? She acts, and she follows.
Peter (Matthew 14:22-36) How easy would it be for you to step out onto the water? Would you think you were going to sink or walk? Jesus says, come to me! Peter follows and steps out of the boat onto the water. Wow!
There are so many in the Bible that followed. Some followed quickly, some were slower to react, but the results were the same no matter the timing. Just as it says in Jesus Calling- the higher the climb, the more spectacular the view and the more joy to experience.
When we follow God’s lead that doesn’t mean that it will be easy, that it won’t be scary, that we will understand. We should follow regardless of what and how it makes us feel.
Always remember God will go before you walk beside you stand behind you. I am with you always! Matthew 28:20
CHALLENGES OF THE WEEK
- Keep your daily appointment
- Dive deep into the word
- Just follow
- Fill your cup with Christ so you can fill other cups
References:
Sarah Young, Jesus Calling App Sunday, October 6th, Be Willing to Follow
Leave a Reply