“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:23-24:
The US military is renowned for its ability to turn regular men and women into dynamic leaders. Those who join the military are taught to follow orders unquestionably. They understand the wisdom of following the leadership of experienced men and women who have been on the battlefield and knows transformed scared young men and women into warriors.
God is the general of the heavenly army. All the angels bow down before Him and follow His divine leadership. The angels never questioned God. They do not have the ability to disobey. Thus, they live in perfect harmony with their creator. But many of us humans struggle with obeying God. We often refuse to follow where God leads. We often prioritize our will and agenda over God’s divine plans for our lives, thereby weakening our ability to live in victory in our spiritual warfare against the devil and his demons.
Those who follow where God leads live in victory even when they contend with the vicissitudes of life. "Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” They may become perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. Indeed, those who follow where God leads rest under the shadow of the Almighty. They are covered with His feathers, and under His wings, they find refuge (Psalm 91:4).
Following where God leads begins with surrender and trust. The men and women in the US military are taught to trust their superiors and be willing to put their lives on the line when asked to do so by their commanders. Our physical journey on earth is tantamount to an ongoing battle. We fight powers, principalities, and spiritual wickedness in high places. We also fight against sicknesses and diseases, poverty, and oppression. Yet we are guaranteed victory if we follow the commands of Jesus.
Because we live in a sinful world, following where God leads is not always natural or automatic. Even when our spirit desires to follow God, our flesh remains in a state of rebellion and has to be brought under submission to the will of God. Most people do not go astray intentionally. They do so because they allow the desires of their flesh to supersede their spiritual desire to live by the Spirit of God.
Believers should trust that God will never lead them astray. Even when our spiritual journey with the Lord is filled with setbacks, we can be assured of His unfailing love and His persistent presence. The Lord has made the ultimate investment in our eternal existence by giving His only Begotten Son Jesus as a ransom for our salvation. From the very beginning, God always intended to lead us from captivity to sin to eternal victory in the heavenly realms. All that God is asking us to do is to trust and obey Him.
No believer should venture into this world alone. We need God to blaze our spiritual trails and lead us to victory. Believers do not know the dangers that lurk ahead. Nor do they know the trap the enemy has set for them. We need to follow the leading of God so we can overcome and conquer in the name of Jesus. As we follow the leading of God, we will have authority over the physical and spiritual realms. God’s leading gives us the confidence to be overcomers. Because of the leading of God, we can say, “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.
Questions for Personal Reflection
Why do you think it is so challenging to follow where God leads?
What are the benefits of following where God leads?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, please help me to follow where you lead even when I do not understand why and cannot see where you are leading. May your Holy Spirit continue to operate as my spiritual navigation system to help me finish my Christian race so I can get my crown.