Saturday, February 5, 2011

Who am I Following?

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act, Psalm 37:5

One summer I followed a friend to the beach in the car. I'd never been to this particular beach and didn’t have the written directions with me and didn't own a GPS at the time. I had to rely completely on her knowledge to get me safely to our destination. We arrived safely, but while I was following I began to see the similarities between my trip and my spiritual life. 

  • I had to stay alert and stay close as I followed her so we wouldn't get separated. I'd be totally lost if we got separated.
  • I had to stay behind her. After all, it wouldn't do me any good to get ahead of her — I didn't know the route to get to the beach.
  • I knew our destination was the beach, and as a believer, I know my ultimate destination is heaven. 
As a believer I have to follow God closely to stay on the right path. I have to stay alert to keep from getting separated. I've got to learn to stay behind, trusting that God knows the best way to get where I'm going. He's given me a preview of my ultimate destination, but only He knows the path I'm supposed to take along the way.

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

6 comments:

  1. Edie, I love your practical, applicable posts. And, once again, so timely as I consider a change of direction in my life. I need to make sure I'm following Jesus as I choose which way to go.

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  2. Edie, I really needed to hear this. I sent my manuscript and proposal—all revisions completed—off to Tamela on Friday. It's all in God's hands now—His way and in His timing.

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  3. Oh Edie, how true, and how applicable for my life today. I was struggling with an issue just this morning, and your post hit it right on the head. Thank you for your obedience to write what He lays on your heart.

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  4. You're right, it would make no sense to go ahead since I don't know the way. So why do I keep doing it??? Now I have a visual of me passing Him and being ahead...and lost. Thanks.

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  5. Edie,
    I love that! What a great analogy. Staying near God and following Him, and trusting He knows the best way to get to our destination isn't easy. It is necessary though.

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  6. Thanks so much for your comments! Beth, I find myself at a crossroads as well, just had a new job offer and I'm completely out of time (at least if I still want to sleep)! Lisa, sometimes it's even more stressful once the proposal and manuscript have left our hands.
    Vonda - did you know this story is about you? It happened on the first writers retreat we taught together at the beach!
    Kim, I don't know how many times Ive gotten ahead - and I still catch myself doing it!
    Ellen, you're so right, staying close and paying attention isn't easy. But oh the blessings when we do!
    Love you all!
    E

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