When I set out to take a trip or drive someplace for the first time, I like to follow someone who knows the way.
If I am traveling alone, I will search for directions online, although I have a GPS in my car. I was happy I had done this when I found myself in a situation where my GPS told me to get off at an exit that had been closed.
Imagine hearing your GPS telling you to exit in one mile and when you get there, the voice tells you, “Get off now,” but all you see is a brick wall. That was troubling, because I was following what I thought was a reliable voice. I learned later that I need to periodically upgrade my GPS.
The object of following is to reach a desired destination. I always pray for traveling mercies, but if I pray and do not follow a designated route, I could end up somewhere other than where I intended to go.
I often find I am in need of guidance and purpose for my personal life, too. That is to say that I need to set goals that are attainable—not always through my own strength, but with the Lord’s help. I love to read books on leadership and hear success stories of people who have followed the advice of others and found that it paid off. It gives me hope and encouragement to know that if I follow a leader who has reached a place of excellence, I might be able to rely on what they have to say.
I wonder what the disciples of Jesus thought when they were on their fishing boats or in their tax collector booths and Jesus walked by and said, “Follow me.” I can’t find anything to indicate that they looked at His résumé to find out who He was. Neither did I.
When I learned that He wanted other followers, I jumped onboard, and it’s paying off for me. Whether I am following someone in a car or my GPS, a respected leader or Jesus, it is important to stay close enough to see how they handle difficult situations or roadblocks.
My GPS did not pass this test, but that could be my fault for not upgrading in a timely manner. Thank God, I don’t have to upgrade the words of Jesus. The words that He spoke to His disciples are the same words that I can follow. I pray that I am a good follower. I pray that I offer healing to the sick, sight to the blind, peace in the midst of turmoil and compassion to the lonely. These are never out of date.
My prayer point today is that Jesus’ life of compassion and love is what guides us and gives us direction to follow. He has proven that He knows the way. God bless you.
