Following the Lord makes a difference. Who are you following? Sometimes we need to ask ourselves that question because who we follow will lead us in different directions. If you are on the wrong path, the good news it is never too late to let the Holy Spirit redirect you to the right path in life. You can leave your selfish pursuits behind.
The Israelites followed their own plan when they attacked the city of Ai where they neglected to ask the Lord for guidance and wisdom. They soon found out that this small town was able to easily defeat them because they forgot what made them successful. It was the Lord’s guidance and strength that made them successful, and the same is true for us today.
When the Israelites followed the Lord’s plan they were successful. Joshua 8:26 For Joshua kept holding out his spear until everyone who had lived in Ai was completely destroyed. 27 Only the livestock and the treasures of the town were not destroyed, for the Israelites kept these as plunder for themselves, as the Lord had commanded Joshua. [1]
Trust the Lord to Guide You as You Follow His Plan
Sometimes we will not hear God’s audible voice offering the direction we seek. In quiet waiting, it is easy to let our minds wander into a whirlwind of questions and concerns. Because of His deep love for us, He sent the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter and Guide. John 16:13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.[2] So even if I don’t have a definite answer, I can trust that the Spirit in me provides what I need to make any decision with clarity and a steadfast heart.
God’s Word offers simple steps to follow for those who seek His will. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [3] Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. These three actions will cast aside all the distractions of our runaway thoughts. When we bring our focus back to the simplicity of God’s will for us, we suddenly lose the urgency of having to decide right now. Our focus becomes how we live our lives for God, not how He answers our prayers.
Instead of giving time and energy to the what ifs, we can remind ourselves that an unsure outcome opens the door for God to be glorified in our situation. And isn’t that what we desire most? God amazes me again and again with His faithfulness through circumstances that seem impossible.[4] I can have that faith because following the Lord makes a difference.
To hear how following the Lord can make the difference, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/seeking-the-lord-changes-my-life-joshua
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[4] https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-daily-bible-verse/follow-god-s-plan-not-your-own-bible-study-minute-january-10-2019.html