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Aug 11, 2022 18:30pm

Let God Lead

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Packed in the little yellow Ford Escort, my family was headed on vacation. I’m not quite sure how we all managed to fit in there. I’m sure it must have looked like a circus scene as we all piled in and out of the “clown” car. Maps were not necessary. It wasn’t because we didn’t need them, but my dad had a sure-fire way to get us where we needed to go as my mother drove – “follow that car”.

For some reason, he had the impression that whatever car he picked was headed where we were and as long as we followed them, we would end up right where we needed to be.

I’m not sure how often my mother actually listened to that advice, but as far as I can remember, we did actually make it to our destinations.

Choosing the one to follow has always been the most important decision we can make.

Joshua’s spies have just returned from Jericho, having been sent to see what dangers might be ahead for the Israelites. Hidden by Rahab, the men were able to escape the soldiers and hide out in the mountains for 3 days until they could get back to their camp. They gave their report to Joshua and told him “truly the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.” (Joshua 2:24)

So, what does Joshua command them to do? Does he say follow me?

No.

Instead, we see Joshua encouraging the people to follow One that is greater than he.

“And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.” (Joshua 3:2-4)

Did you catch what he said in verse 3?

The ark of the covenant housed the Ten Commandments, manna from God, and Aaron’s staff. It was a symbol of God’s power and His presence with them.

“Go after it”. Not before it, not beside it, but after it. Joshua was teaching the Israelites, and now us, an important truth.

Let God lead.

When you come to a part in the road and you don’t know which way to go, how will you make that decision? We can make our own decisions and choose the way that seems right to us, but only the road that God leads us on is the path of righteousness.

Let God lead.

I need to hear and say this over and over. Truthfully, before I began reading this morning, I prayed that I would be in full surrender to God and allow Him the rightful place at the reins of my life. I struggle with a need to be in control and my Lord knows this. But I seek His face every morning, praying that I will surrender to His will and not mine.

Lead me, Lord. And let me choose to follow you! Just like Joshua, we have never been here before and we don’t know the way. We need your guidance so we don’t just wander throughout this life. Give us focus and purpose as we see you more clearly and exalt you as our Lord and God!