Follow Jesus

Be willing to follow wherever I lead.

Follow Me wholeheartedly, with glad anticipation quickening your pace. Though you don’t know what lies ahead, I know; and that is enough!

Some of My richest blessings are just around the bend: out of sight, but nonetheless very real.

To receive these gifts, you must walk by faith — not by sight. This doesn’t mean closing your eyes to what is all around you. It means subordinating the visible world to the invisible Shepherd of your soul.

Sometimes I lead you up a high mountain with only My hand to support you. The higher you climb, the more spectacular the view becomes; also, the more keenly you sense your separation from the world with all its problems. This frees you to experience exuberantly the joyous reality of My Presence. Give yourself fully to these Glory-moments, awash in dazzling Light. I will eventually lead you down the mountain, back into community with others. Let My Light continue to shine within you as you walk among people again.

We live by faith, not by sight. — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and glory are in His sanctuary. — Psalm 96:6

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12

For with you is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. — Psalm 36:9

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Try to view each day as an adventure, carefully planned out by your Guide. Instead of staring into the day that is ahead of you, attempting to program it according to your will, be attentive to Me and to all I have prepared for you. Thank Me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift. Trust that I am with you each moment, whether you sense My Presence or not.

• A thankful, trusting attitude helps you to see events in your life from My perspective.

A life lived close to Me will never be dull or predictable. Expect each day to contain surprises! Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead. No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by My side.

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 NKJV

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. — 1 Peter 2:21

Excerpted with permission from Jesus Calling Commemorative Edition by Sarah Young, copyright Sarah Young.

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Your Turn

Life for the Christian might seem treacherous because we choose to walk by faith and not by sight, but we are safe in the Lord’s capable and kind protective Hand of mercy. Following Him is the most secure place we could ever be! Let’s walk forward with joy and anticipation! ~ Devotionals Daily