Following God

If you like to dance, you know how awkward it can be if both partners are trying to lead. If you recall what happened with Moses when he was still a young man and decided God needed his help looking out for the Israelites. The story is recorded in Exodus chapter 2 beginning in verse 11, "Moses...went out unto his brethren, and looked to their burdens." Needless to say, Moses's efforts, apart from God, did not go well.

Sometimes we, like Moses, get out in front of God. Whether because of impatience, righteous indignation or simply because we have failed to first seek God's direction through prayer.

When this happens our results are about the same as Moses'. We may not have to tend sheep in the desert for 40 years but we will likely suffer some discouragement.

It is only after we look to God and follow his direction that we find the encouragement of success.

Someone once told me that a failure to plan was the same thing as planning to fail. Experience has also taught me that a failure to follow God's plans generally leads to failure and discouragement.

I have been asked from time to time, "How do I know what God's plan is?" Well, first we have to ask him (through prayer). Then (the hard part) we wait for an answer. And last we test the answer (what we think God is telling us to do). And we do that by making sure it aligns with the Word of God.

This is not an easy process. However, I like the promise offered in Jeremiah 33:11, "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

Remember, God does not need us to do anything FOR Him, but He loves it when WE JOIN HIM in what He is already doing.