We are called to walk behind our Heavenly Father. No better place could we children of God ever be found. However, I can’t help but cringe when I realize how many times I have been confused over the meaning and position of walking behind. By definition (both God’s and man’s) walking behind translates to I am not leading. Another, namely God, is leading. Why then, (and so often) do I chase ahead of God and position myself as the commander who tries to call the strategy, execute the plan and save the troops, the day and the outcome I’m certain is needed and best? Even a preschooler knows that if you are not the designated line leader, you don’t stand ahead of all others and guide the way forward. Thus, there’s no excuse for this Grammy to misstep where God calls me to be.
Going beyond me personally, I can’t claim a monopoly on saying I walk behind God but in actuality, too often, needing to turn around for assurance He’s with me. This is a human failing of the masses. Just look at the world in which we live. How often we all, on bended knee, beg God to lead and carry us; but once we leave the stance of genuflection, we race ahead with God, metaphorically, having to catch up to us.
Impatience, lack of Scripture understanding and Satan’s imposed sense of our needing to be in control equate to our illogical misconception of where we are to be, if we truly are walking behind our Heavenly Father. This week God has led me through His Word to face my shortcomings preventing me from the wisdom, need and urgency of releasing the reins to become His follower and to grow me in standing behind His sovereign reign of leadership. I wish to share His lessons.
Impatience: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:14
Scripture Understanding: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
Release of Control: “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)
Today dawns with me relinquishing the lead and following God’s Word. As I position myself as God’s loyal and grateful follower, my shoulders no longer need to carry the load, for my soul follows Scripture’s promise. “Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’.” John 8:12 (ESV)
Uplifted in a Broken Down World 