LORD, Let Me Let YOU Lead Me!

I was having a sweet time of morning devotion when I looked at this mug that sits on my dining room table. I purchased this mug a while ago as a reminder WHO is supposed to be leading in this "romance" and journey of faith between God and I. This day, I got the message, loud and clear!

By nature, I gravitate toward being a leader and really have to pull my reins in to be a follower -- especially since I'm "single" now and must make many decisions on my own. But, even as a trustworthy leader, I should still be submitting to THE LEADER who promises to make my way successful when I allow Him to lead in EVERY way. How many times have I started out on a project or plan -- on my own -- and realized I was expecting God to make my way successful on the decisions I was making. I often take in this scripture verse regularly (like a prescription) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart (that's putting Him first) and lean not to your own understanding (that's putting me second), in all your ways acknowledge Him (that's putting Him first again) and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6 That scripture sets the record straight. In this relationship, He is the leader and I am the followers.

I get it. Our ultimate success comes from letting God lead us.

The truth is -- God IS here for us, so we don't have to go this journey alone -- trying to figure out what to do and when to do it. He's here to lead the way -- to fight the battles for us -- and to give us His grace for the journey

"I will never leave you or forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: "Whoever wants to be My disciple, must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me." Mark 8:3

I Can Do It Myself

I remember when my son was just learning to walk. Already, before he was completely steady on his two little feet, he had already gained the "I can do it myself" mentality. He'd try to pull his hand away from our clutches. On one occasion, we were walking down a slight incline and I was holding tight to his little hand to protect and guide him, but he managed to pull out of my grip. In about two or three steps, he lost his balance and footing, fell and rolled down the hill. When he got to the bottom, lying on his back, he looked up at me and asked "Why did you do that?"

Isn't that just the way we are? Do you remember a time when you were doing your best, on your own, to make it? We want to do it "my way", but when we do, and the outcome is less successful than we expected, we look up to God and say, "Why did you do that?" The fact is, God doesn't ever let go of us, but we pull away and say "I can do it myself. I'll lead. You follow Me!" Oh that we would hold on tight to God's plans, wishes and desires for our lives When we hold His hands, we are assured of His provision, His protection, and His peace. "I will never leave you or forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified for the Lord your God goes before you. He will never leave you or forsake you." Dueteronomy 31:6

If we've prided ourselves on not needing anyone, or have just feared trusting another person because of disappointment or betrayal, God wants to more than make up for our disappointment in someone else by showing us, in His Word, that He's the most reliable One we could ever depend on.

God is the One who protects us and keeps us safe. The Psalmist tells us: "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8.

Whether it's protecting us, providing for us, or helping us to work out our troubles, God can be trusted to care for His own. I never want to be so independent, that I forget Who is my everything. My dependence is on Him. So, let's grab hold tight to his loving hands and arms. He assures us that He'll help to make our rough places smooth and our winding places straight! Back to where I started, my little guy got a little upset because "he let go", but look at what God says to us even when we let go of His grasp: Psalms 121:2,3 assures us "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth He will not let your foot slip -- He who watches over you, will not slumber."