Where He Leads Me

Consider the called…

With blind trust, goosebumps, and heart-stopping moments, a motley crew faced obstacles and their worst fears along the way to lifelong friendships and brotherhood. Jesus had called them onward to feed multitudes and dance on mountaintops. I imagine His smile as He reached out His hand to each man. “John. Peter. Paul. Come, follow me.” Did they drop everything and run to Him with reckless abandon? Did they worry about the consequences of leaving family and friends to follow a man who claimed to be the Son of God; the Messiah they had waited their whole lives for? Maybe. I only hope to re-imagine that scene and share my thoughts about it until I take my last breath. I’ve considered the called—and my Savior’s call on my own life. My answer: “Where He leads me, I will follow.”

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Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me, let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

Psalm 43:3 NIV

Let’s consider Paul. After all, God made an amazing transformation in his life. BUT. Let’s not forget the choices Paul made at that time. He heard the call. He answered the call. He lived the call.

The Lord is my shepherd

Shepherds are patient and diligent. They guide, protect, and nurture their flock, even on long, excruciating journeys. The Lord is the shepherd of His people in sickness or health, in valleys and darkest hours. That means He will lead us to the end—and then on to the never-ending.

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So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

Leaders and leadership?

Have you ever questioned how being a leader takes discipline and courage? There are times when we all strive to lead. We believe in a cause. We’re passionate. Compassionate. Opinionated. But does that make us a good or wise leader? I don’t think so. A great leader might bring himself success—yet at the cost of judgment and exhaustion. The bible tells of many ordinary men and women who reluctantly became leaders. Though scared, they eventually listened when God called out to them and encouraged them to lead. He strengthened them and blessed them for their obedience. Whenever I think of leadership, the Rev. Dr. Billy Graham comes to mind. Perhaps the greatest leader of our time, he led by serving. I’m thankful to have had the privilege to write a story about this extraordinary servant’s life. Long ago, Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May Your word to me be fulfilled.” I try to picture this moment. Though I know my mind cannot do the original justice.

I can do all things through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

Where He leads me, and “the choice”

“My choice: I exist to live a life of worship for the only one worthy of all my praise, my heart, and my mind’s full attention.”

Me

With hope, I pray God allows me to always remember the moment His Word first pierced, and then penetrated my heart. That surreal visual of how, in a blink of an eye, my countenance changed. Though I thought I knew Jesus all my life, my spirit soared—at the unfathomable thought, forever changed. BECAUSE… This gift, God’s son, held eternity for me. His unconditional love, grace, and mercy covered all my sorrows, shame, and mistakes. I pray my heart’s desire will always be: Lead me and my family to know Your ways, Lord, for only You alone are worthy. Teach me to follow, so I might become a leader someday. Have you ever wondered about true leadership and what it really takes to become the leaders God wants us to be? Let it be for His glory. I want to go…where he leads me.

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Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

Dear friends,

Have you ever wondered about where God is leading you or what it might take to become the leaders God wants us to be? What if true leadership is really about following? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Don’t forget to join the conversation in the Inspire A Fire comments section below this post.

Here are two similar stories to share with friends and family https://inspireafire.com/hope/ https://inspireafire.com/the-mystery-of-gentleness-and-the-way-to-love/ Please stop by my quirky Dreamdove’s Flights Of Fancy blog https://joannclaypoole.wordpress.com or look for me on FB, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter for more stories, shareable scripture quotes, writer’s life, and the every day family la-la-la. Check out my children’s chapter book, The Gardener’s Helpers (ages 5-9) http://amazon.com/Gardeners-Helpers-Morgan-James-Kids/

Wishing you love, blessings, and peace for the journey. Heaven will be worth it all.
Joann

*Final thanks: Featured Image by Valiphotos from Pixabay, All other Images ~ courtesy of FreePhotos from Pixabay

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