One Step ahead
by Peter Brokaar
Where God leads, we must follow. When we follow God, we live in faith.
On a recent family outing, we did a short scramble up some rocks which led to the top of a waterfall. It was such a lovely spot. When we descended again I made very sure that I stayed a few steps ahead of my children, positioning myself just below them at all times. Should one of them slip, I would be there to catch them. They had to do the climbing themselves, but I was a nearby safety net.
When God leads us along the path of life, He too is forever nearby - always (at least) one step ahead of us. However, He’s invisible to us. We must trust in faith that He’s nearby, just ahead of us, leading the way and ensuring our safety.
God may call us along, drawing us out of our comfort zone into a deeper adventure with Him. We might feel scared, unsettled and wondering where we’re going. But we have this promise – He’s with us, when we’re following Him.
When Abraham was called to move, together with all of his family, he didn’t know where he was going. All he knew was that he was leaving what was familiar to him. But, as he went in obedience, he did discover that God had constantly gone before him. Several times the Lord chose to reveal Himself to Abraham, re-assuring him of His promises and revealing more and more of His plan for Abraham and his family.
Later, Abraham’s trust in God was severely tested when he was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. The Bible tells us that, as a consequence of Abraham’s obedience, an obedience born out of faith in God, all the nations of the earth were to be blessed (Genesis 22:18). This is what happens when we believe God and follow Him. First off, we receive innumerable blessings ourselves. But what’s more, other people, many of whom we might never even meet, will also be blessed. When I think about it, that’s something I want - even more than I want my own man-made safety and security.
Be encouraged if God’s leading you to follow Him along a path of faith. Whether we feel His presence or not, He’s right there, always one step ahead of us.
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for always being with me, and for lovingly leading me. Forgive me when I haven’t trusted You, and help me to trust You, and follow You wherever You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Peter Brokaar is Director of Ellel Ministries Scotland and has been there together with his wife Liz since 2005. They have 3 kids, all born in Scotland! In his free time he likes reading, cooking, running and surfing. Being at Ellel Scotland has given him the privilege of getting to know God deeper and sharing that joy with many others.
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