Following Christ
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FOLLOW CHRIST?
One of the most anticipated times of Christmas at our home is the week between Christmas and New Year’s. It has always been a restful time and under normal circumstances, an opportunity to go places and do things that Janis and I don’t often have the time for, surrounded by all of the Christmas décor and festivities. This year, we decided to extend that time, with all the beautiful Christmas decorations in our home, inside and outside, brightly lit! While this reflects a nostalgic aspect, this year, it has been a daily, tangible reminder of the hope that we have and that no matter the uncertainty of the times – we have each other and Emmanuel – GOD WITH US, is a glorious reality! “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” (John 12:46).
One morning last week, during my prayer time, the Lord gave me a picture. HE doesn’t ordinarily speak to me like this, but this morning HE did. I would like to share it with you.
Janis and I were in a heavy, high, dense brush area. We couldn’t see anything in front, behind or around us. And JESUS, holding a large machete was chopping down the brush and clearing the path in front of us as we walked closely behind HIM. And as long as we could see the back of his head – we knew we would be ok, because we were in step with HIM.
He reminded me that following HIM means exactly that, following, walking closely behind HIM, and no matter the unknowns, HE will go before us, ordering our steps, enabling us to do exactly what HE has designed us to do! Needless to say, Janis and I were deeply moved!
The whole world is waiting anxiously to see what 2021 holds after the unprecedented nature of 2020. I want to encourage you during these challenging days, to do what you must to remain in sync with the LORD and connected to the Body of Christ. Be strengthened in the reading of GOD’s word. Turn to the LORD when times of uncertainty and trepidation want to overtake you and allow HIM to clear the path forward as you follow HIM! It’s not easy to let go of the reins during those times, but the LORD assures us that it is HE and HE alone who can and will get us through – victoriously! “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
And finally, when in doubt and fear begins to rise up worship HIM! Sing songs to the LORD. When you least feel like singing, SING! Play worship music in your home and car. This is not escaping reality, it is facing reality with a supernatural defense, declaring that in all things, no matter the circumstances, WE WILL WORSHIP THE LORD (2 Chron. 20-21). When David was facing extremely difficult times, he reminds us in Psalm 22, “Yet, you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Your people.” As we acknowledge the LORD, and in humility worship HIM unconditionally, we are allowing HIM to be GOD, taking our place as HIS followers, then in HIS almighty power we not only endure, but we thrive and we do so victoriously!
My dear brothers and sister, our prayer is that you have a Happy, Blessed and Safe New Year, as we together, follow the KING!