» BACK  

WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, May 27, 2008

"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." Psalm 48:14

The description of a guide in the Webster dictionary is one that points out the way, that leads; one that directs the course. If we would hire a guide to take us through the jungle or perhaps a difficult mountain pass, we would assume certain things.

  1. We would assume that he knows the best route for us to reach our destination.
  2. We would assume that he was aware of the dangerous places and would know the best way to bring us through unharmed.
  3. He would know what we needed to make the trip successfully.
  4. We would assume that he had made the trip before and therefore was experienced.

Now, we have an experienced, qualified guide and after setting out on our journey, we decide to find our own way and to ignore our guide. Would this be smart? Would it even be reasonable? The answer is clearly, NO!

Life is a journey into the unknown. We have no idea of the pitfalls and dangers that lie ahead of us. We come to crossroads of decision and are unsure which way to go. We have never been through life before. We don't even know what will be required before this day is over, let alone what tomorrow could require. But we have a guide that knows all the answers.

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is our Shepherd. The Shepherd always goes before the sheep. "And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice." John 10:4 Nothing ever surprises Him. He always has the oversight and control. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"Romans 11:33
"Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." Matthew 6:8

He has the very best interest of the sheep at heart. "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10b He has been through this earthly life before us. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15 The way may be hazardous; it may include disagreeable circumstances and enemies that fight against us. But our guide, our Shepherd, Lord and Savior, is always with us and cares for every need we, as His sheep, may need.

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10
"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them." Deuteronomy 33:27

So why do we not follow Him? Why do we think we can make plans and decisions on our own, without consulting Him and expect Him to bless us? Is it any wonder that we often find ourselves in difficulties and problems?

I would encourage you to stop, and take a good look at your life. Have you been following your Shepherd and allowing Him to guide you? If not, then confess it to Him and begin to follow Him today. He is the perfect Guide!

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

Is there a particular area of your life that you are not allowing God to lead you in? If so, why are you resisting His leadership?

- Sandy Hastings May 27, 2008
If you wish to contact me personally, e-mail me at sandy.hastings@gmx.de

More Than Survival Want a glimpse inside
"More Than Survival"?
Click here for a preview.