5/8/2023 0 Comments Following the shepherd![]() So when we take a risk, it is a step of faith. It’s my inheritance, your inheritance to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and have the power to obey. The Apostle Paul even says that we can, each of us, prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:31). I will advise you and watch over you.” - Psalm 32:8Įvery believer hears God. The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. We can trust that if we follow His voice, we are on the right path, and if we get off the path, He will guide us back. ![]() ![]() When we aren’t certain if we are headed the right way, we can be at peace. What can God do with us if we are willing to take the risk? If we go the wrong way, trust that He can and will bring us back on course. This knowledge gave him the faith to take the risk, and revival resulted. He recognized that no one could snatch him from his Shepherd’s hand, not even himself. George Whitfield resisted entering ministry as a young man for fear he would become too proud, but then he had a revelation of Jesus as his Good Shepherd. What comfort is there in knowing our Shepherd will keep us on the right path? At times the risk of making a misstep can keep us from taking any step at all. If we head the wrong direction, He uses the crook of his staff to bring us back on course. Not only does He defend us, but he actually prepares a table, a feast, a celebration in the very presence of our enemies. He walks with us and His rod and staff, his protection, correction, and authority, bring us comfort. Even when that path takes us “through the darkest valley” (HCSB), we do not need to fear. In Him, there is provision, there is peace, and there is protection. Psalm 23 reveals the nature of our shepherd. If we know He has spoken, we can trust where He is leading. And we follow Him.įollowing Jesus requires risk, but recognizing him as the good shepherd brings us the peace we need in the process. In the same way, we follow Jesus based on His word and character. Sarah conceived a child because “she considered him faithful who had promised”.Abraham offered his son when tested by God, trusting in God’s ability to fulfill his promise.Abraham journeyed to a new land when he was called by God.Noah built an ark because the Lord told him to.The heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11 took action based on God’s word and character: If I have faith that Jesus, the Good Shepherd is leading me into something, I can trust Him in the process. So how do we know when to take a risk? The faith to embrace risk is based in knowing and following the Good Shepherd. Risk is the action of our faith, which pleases God. The Danish theologian, Søren Kierkegaard reasoned, “Without risk there is no faith.” “And without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb 11:6). James pointed to Abraham’s life as evidence that “faith without deeds is useless” (James 2:20). But the truth I’ve discovered is, like it or not, risk is an essential part of following Jesus. Risk means potentially losing something of value: money, time, reputation, maybe even life. When I take a risk, there is an opportunity for failure. I’m a little more hesitant with risk because, well, it’s risky. But embracing risk, that is a bit of a different story. I love the stories of victory, of healing, of transformation, of what my God can do. I am moved when I see bold faith, whether in my life or witnessing it in the lives of others. I love the adventure, the exploration of new territory in life, and the discovery of unexpected joys that come from living life with God. Amidst the adventure and unknown and downright scary, I find peace in the knowledge that He is the Good Shepherd. ![]() I’ve known Jesus for many years now, but it is His ability to lead me that has recently captivated me. ![]()
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