Wherever God's Going, I Am Going His Way

"And [the man] said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and ... " Luke 9:59, 61

Martie was streaming some old Andy Williams songs the other day when I heard him singing "Moon River". There is a phrase in that song, "Wherever your going, I am going your way!" which reminded me of the attitude that we are to have about God's bidding. We are to have an unconditional response to God's call. In one case in Luke, the man wanted to say goodbye to his family first. Seems reasonable and responsible doesn't it? In another, the man wanted to bury his father. There is nothing to suggest that his father was dead - perhaps the man wanted to care for his father until his death and then the man would feel free to follow Jesus.

Thinking through their responses to Jesus, the issue was really about devotion of the heart. There are many natural - reasonable circumstances why we should delay following God when He makes plain His call for us to follow.  Reasons that few people would accuse us of being wrong in choosing. But God sees the heart - the motivations behind our reasoning that we should delay our following. 

Most of us are familiar with Matthew 22:37-39 about loving God and then loving others. But when it comes to immediately responding to God, in light of our stated devotion to Him, in spite of our circumstances - we stumble - hesitate. All of the "justifiable" reasons - specifically our earthly responsibilities, rise up to challenge our decision to follow God immediately as irresponsible - unreasonable - maybe even fanatical and misguided. God would not ask us to to that would He?

"Then He [Jesus] said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'" - Luke 9:23

What I am writing about is denying your natural devotions in favor of your devotion to God. And what about the "What Abouts"? What if you actually deny yourself and your earthly devotions to follow God? Well, that is where faith comes in.  In Experiencing God it is called a Crisis of Belief which requires faith and action. More than simple acknowledgement that it is God calling, but acceptance, trust and obedience or action. Henry Blackaby said that our problem is not in knowing it is God speaking, it is in obeying what He said we are to do. So where is it that God wants to lead you? 

So be ready - arm yourself with the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Be alert - lean forward in the foxhole. 

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:11-13

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone