Trust Christ Daily -- Follow Where He Leads!

"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor." (John 12:26 NKJ)

From time to time over the years, I have asked my children if they want to go with me. You know the routine. "Do you want to go with daddy?" And almost without exception, even as small children, they responded, "Where are you going?" They didn't want to commit themselves without knowing where the going with me would take them.

Following can be difficult, especially for those who lead. Serving can be difficult for those who normally get served. And both following and serving go hand in hand -- two sides of the same coin.

A part of the issue of following is that we commit without knowing where we will be lead. Jesus promised a reward for following him, but he didn't tell us what path our following him might take. He told us the destination, but not the path we would walk to get there. He did promise, however, that he would be with us all the way.

So, I conclude that this is an issue of trust. Not his trust in us, but ours in him. Now, really, would our Savior lead us down a path he wouldn't walk? Would he ask us to drink from a cup he refused?

I don't know. Maybe the issue is about burden and yokes. Is the burden I have devised for myself lighter than the one he gives me to bear? Is being yoked with him easier than being yoked with the world? "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV).

There is peace and calm in following him. He is a gentle and humble leader. Following where Christ leads provides rest in ways that are incomprehensible to those who don't follow him. And don't forget the promise of honor from the Father.

Where he leads . . . we meet people others have rejected; we do ministry others have refused; we see situations others didn't have time for; and on it goes. And somewhere in the process of picking up those beaten, bruised and wounded by the thieves of this world, we receive accolades and honors that isn't ours. We don't deserve the honor but the Father makes certain that we get it. Those who have been left for dead along the roadside of life, give honor to those who rescued them through the love of Christ. What an honor it is to follow Christ!

Dear Father, thank you for calling me to follow you. Empower me to faithfully follow and serve you all the days of my life. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Today reflect on how you follow Christ. Is it a burden or a joy to follow him?