R.E.A.P. your daily devotions with Linda Bailey

Jesus said that He is the light for our path.  Unfortunately for me I like to be able to see the whole path before me, however God only seems to show us one step at a time.

Matthew 8.18-34

Reference: v.19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." (NIV Bible)

Explore: I always liked playing the game 'Follow the Leader'. It was where everyone playing formed a long line and you had to go everywhere and do everything the person in the front did. They would usually duck and weave around things and lift their arms in all sorts of ways making the caterpillar line copy them. It was never too challenging as you just had to keep up with the person in front of you. Following someone you could see, touch and observe was never too much of a challenge, even for a seven year-old.
As a Christian I have dedicated my life to follow Jesus, he is the leader of my life. And yet I find this game of life incredibly challenging! I often feel I need much more guidance than I am ever given and would love to receive more specific instructions.  If I could just see how Jesus is raising his arm or moving between two poles, like in the game Follow the Leader, it would make serving Him so much easier.

Application:  And yet Jesus didn't promise an easy life when we set out to follow Him.  We are always going to have to tear ourselves away from the things that comfort us if we are to follow Him, and that even means knowing every step of the way.  Jesus said that He is the light for our path.  Unfortunately for me I like to be able to see the whole path before me, however God only seems to show us one step at a time.  When I get impatient and run ahead I find myself in darkness.  You're not suppose to overtake the leader!  And yet every day I'm confronted by the challenge of not knowing what Jesus would have me do.  I need to let go of the leadership role and get back in line to follow the most radical of leaders, even if it is just one step at a time.

Prayer:  Lord, I like to have the whole journey mapped out in front of me.  But that is not what it is to follow Jesus.  Help me to stay in tune with You and I live to serve You everyday.  Amen.