Follow The Leader

Since we've moved into our apartment, we’ve been having a difficult time finding a church in which to settle. Jer and I have visited several churches, almost all of which have been very welcoming. The people are great, the worship is phenomenal, but for some reason or another, we just don’t feel like we “click”. This has been especially difficult for us because our church in Alabama was AMAZING. The very first time we walked in, we felt the presence of the Lord; we felt immediately like family. It had really been as easy as walking through the doors to find “home”.

Suffice it to say, when the television is on, I am watching a Christian station. There is just something about being fed the Word of God all day long that makes me even more hungry for righteousness. I don’t love all of the shows on any particular channel, but generally I can find something to watch on the eight or so Christian channels. There is one show in particular that I will always watch if it is on, “Fan or Follower”. As a brief synopsis, the narrator is telling the story of a man that we watch flow from fan to follower to Jesus. The church we revisited this week happened to be finishing up a series called, you guess it, “Fan or Follower”. While generally I could have walked up to the pulpit and gave the sermon myself based on my own mental notes and years of attending church, the pastor really put a fresh spin on the topic and gave some really great insight. I love a pastor that makes you want to write down every word he says! The real epiphany for me came at the very end of the sermon. The pastor was talking about following Jesus at His pace. Of course I have heard that phrase a million times, “God’s timing is perfect.” But something really connected in my spirit the way he worded that phrase. “Follow Jesus at His pace.” Suddenly, the Holy Spirit whispered to me, “We do not go out before Him, we follow Him.” Ok, I admit, many of you may be confused because this is such a rudimentary statement, but for me, this was one of those moments that allow God to gently put me in my place.

I am a Type A personality. I am a perfectionist, and I hate to wait for anything. Even when I am not, I am always on the go. I am a fast walker. My husband is 6’4 and he has a hard time keeping up with 5’0 me most of the time. So when I want something in the Spirit realm, I go load up my water pistol and charge hell, and this is how the conversation usually goes: “Ummm, ok Jesus, any day now…… I’m waiting…. What can I do to speed this process up????  Oh, You want me to wait…. Patiently…… HAHAHAHAHAHA… Oh, You’re serious….” This was the moment I realized I had been going about things the wrong way. I’m supposed to wait patiently on Jesus, walking with Him instead of running ahead scoping things out, and like a bad sit-com always getting myself in a world of trouble. As a fan, if things don’t go my way, I would just give up and move on to the next thing. But as a follower of Christ, I made a commitment to wait on Him. The Bible tells me that waiting on the Lord renews my strength.

If we are patient and wait on the Lord, He will refresh us and nourish us with His loving kindness.  I have to constantly remind myself that the way He does things verses how I would do them is not the same, Thank You Jesus!!! I have made a mess of things too many times not waiting on His timing to think that I know what’s best for me. I know there will still be times when I will run out ahead, thinking I have a clue about what’s going on. But isn’t it wonderful that we serve a God who will help us up when we fail Him, and still makes good on His promises!

Waiting is rarely easy. We live a society that values quantity over quality, because the quicker we can finish one task, the quicker we can move on to the next. But God does not respect time the way we see it in the human realm. He makes it abundantly clear that if we are going to follow Him, we have to wait for His lead. He loves us so much, and wants the very best for us. He is an amazing God!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You so much God that you are willing to wait for us sometimes. Lord, please don’t let me be a stumbling block to myself. God, I want all you have for me. Help me to realize that Your timing is always perfect.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture References:

Psalm 130:5 (KJV)

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope.

Psalm 25:21 (KJV)

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on Thee.

Galatians 5:5 (KJV)

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Psalm 59:9 (KJV)

Because of His strength will I wait upon Thee: for God is my defense.

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Hosea 12:6 (NIV)

But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.

Love LIFE (LoveIsForEver):

If you don’t already, I challenge you to have a family fun night. Board games, cards, or homemade crafts are a great way to encourage bonding and increase self esteem with your children. Uno anyone?