Follow

Follow

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.

I’D BEEN FEELING A NUDGE to be done for months but had been ignoring it. I’d been part of a ministry group of women for ten years and taught the leaders for the past five. I didn’t want to leave the women I’d loved for so long and met with on a weekly basis. And yet I could hear God’s gentle voice, telling me it was time to step away and allow for someone else to move into my position to teach. I was reminded of my own words, now coming back to haunt me. This is never about me, my voice. I am happy to step away when God asks me to. And this was that time.

As I prayed about how to approach the woman in charge, she emailed me wondering about my ability to teach for the coming year and then offered someone who could potentially colead with me. As I read her message, I knew. God had been speaking to her, too. The woman she suggested was an excellent teacher. I knew God was moving her into the spot I was about to vacate. I emailed her back, letting her know that I would be stepping down completely, and how much I thought of the new woman who would take my place. I was still a little sad to leave, but I was sure that I was being obedient to follow God’s lead and listen to his voice.

Following the voice of God is a skill that comes with time and experience. And even when you’ve known Jesus for many years, you can still miss his leading at times. Following God’s direction is not always just about avoiding sin, but it has much more to do with being sensitive to knowing when he wants you to go and when he asks you to stay. It’s being able to follow his voice when he asks you to step away from something, or into a new place that may be yet unknown. Following God’s leading is a skill we continue to hone over our lifetime.

Lord, today may I listen for your voice and follow where you lead me. Amen.

-Kendra

One Good Step: Where has God been leading you lately? Today determine to take steps to follow where he leads.