Where He Leads, I Will Follow

Traditionally, June is the month for graduation and weddings, each individual or couple setting out on a new experience. The high school graduate out from under the rule and reign of mom and dad can, if they so choose, get a job and move out on their own. Some will work through the summer to save money for the new adventure of college.  On the other hand, marriage is also a new frontier. Most have only observed marriage, whether modeled in the home or on television. Still, they all set out on this journey into the unknown.

So, what might you be attempting this summer that you have never done before, or what would you like to do, but are fearful?

Think of the Israelites. After a life of slavery and then wandering forty years in the wilderness, they were poised and ready to enter a new land, build homes and settle down, something they had never done before. However, they first had to cross the overflowing Jordan River.

This task seemed insurmountable considering the mighty, rushing water. Still, some were excited for their new life, some apprehensive, but most felt fearful. They had many questions. How do we cross? What will happen once we cross? Which way do we go, right, left, or straight? How far do we travel into the land?  Are hostile armies waiting to attack? All good questions for which even Joshua had no answers.

Then God, through Joshua, sent word for the people to prepare. “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God…then you shall set out from your place and go after it…that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.” (Joshua 3:3-4).

See, Israel did not have to know how or which way to go. They only had to follow the Lord.

Just like us, we may think we know what is up ahead, but do we? Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart may plan his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

And Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

In John 10, Jesus reveals He is the Good Shepherd of Psalm 23. The Good Shepherd’s sheep know Him, they hear His voice, and He calls each by name. The Good Shepherd goes before them and His sheep follow, for they know His voice.

For us, any new adventure whether it is heading off to college, into the workforce for the very first time, a new marriage, baby, job, or even a new city, is a way we have not passed before. As true, obedient believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, when we stand on the banks of our overflowing river, we gain comfort from knowing He goes before us. As long as we keep our eyes fixed on Him and follow, we will know which way to go.W