So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished. (John 5:19-20)

Read: 1 Samuel 20:1 – 21:15, Psalm 34

Relate: Growing up I was part of an organization called Royal Rangers. Rangers is basically a Christian version of Boy Scouts and in my later elementary school years, when I was about ten to twelve, it was my life. I lived and breathed Royal Rangers and I could tie a knot, start a fire, and use a compass with the best of them.

I remember one winter we were at a sectional Rangers retreat when one of the Commanders (translation: adults) decided it would be a good idea to go for a hike. You have to understand, this was the middle of winter. That snow was about waist high once we were off the path, but I didn’t mind. I was smart. I simply walked directly behind the biggest (translation: widest) boy out there hiking. Some others might have been cold wet and miserable. I was going where he went. He was doing all the heavy lifting and I had that way plowed right out for me.

React: Following after God is like following that bigger boy through the heavy snow. Yes, there might still be a bit to deal with, but He’s already done the hard work. He’s done the heavy lifting. The One leading the way has cleared the path before me. When I’m honest with myself it is easy to admit that the times my life seems to get messy and difficult is often because I’ve strayed off to go my own way. I decided I knew how to “tramp through the woods” best on my own. Before I knew it I found myself in a “snowdrift” over my head and I need my bigger brother, I need Jesus, to come dig me out.

Not always. There are times when life will get difficult even when I’ve done everything right. His way isn’t always easiest, but it is always, unquestionably, best. When I follow the path He has cleared for me I will find that I am going places and doing things I never thought possible. The Father knows best. And the best we can do is exactly what He has shown us to do.

Respond: 

For those times I have gone my own way, God I am sorry. For those times I thought I knew better, God I’m sorry. For those times when I grew discontent in walking behind You, God I’m sorry. You have made a way. You have shown me Your path and called me to walk in it. Even when it doesn’t seem so, help me to know down deep that Your way is best. Help me to be faithful to follow after You. And as I walk the path You have revealed help me to see miracles so far beyond my imagination.