Dare to FollowSample

I don’t know about you, but I have opinions about which way is the right way to do things or move forward toward a certain goal. I gather information and map it out based on what I think will not only be the best for me but also bring the most glory to God. I aim to be thoughtful and kind about it, especially when someone else comes along and shares a differing opinion. I’m open to listening, but depending on what it is, I can sometimes nod my head with a smile but still think I’m right.

This can translate over into what I read in Scripture or hear from God throughout the day. He often challenges my line of thought with a different way of thinking, and if I’m not careful, I can hear what He says but continue along the path I have decided in my heart is the right way. I’m grateful for the conviction of the Holy Spirit, who gently and kindly speaks straight to my heart.

Recognizing you got it wrong, laying down your pride, and changing directions can all feel uncomfortable. But it’s equally uncomfortable to follow down another path God has not ordained. The question we always want to ask is, How can I know that this path is going to be the best one for me? But Jesus tells His disciples to lay it all down in Matthew 16. If we want to follow Him, we must deny ourselves. First Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all our thoughts, opinions, plans, and emotions on Jesus because He cares for us. He wants us to open our hands and lay it all at His feet. He wants us to trust Him with our cares and not be limited by our own capacity.

If we want to truly follow Jesus, we have to make room for what He has for us. Sometimes that means we don’t know the plan. Other times it means we know some of the plan, but we don’t understand how it will ultimately shake out. Either way, He is worthy to be trusted with our whole selves. We can only go where He wants to take us if we let go of our own thoughts, plans, and will.

Are you ever tempted to lean on your own way of thinking instead of trusting God’s path? Reflect on a time when God redirected you. Where did this new path lead you?