HE LEADS ME BESIDE THE STILL WATERS.

A crisis concerning the future of our home church caused me to search God’s leadership of His children. The bible treasury convinces us of the Father’s ability and longing to lead His children.

Look at some of the delightful promises of His direction. God supernaturally led Eliezer to seek a bride for His master Abraham’s son, as recorded in Genesis 24:27.Rejoicing he said, ‘Blessed be the lord God of my master, who has not forsaken his mercy and his truth towards my master. As for me, being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master‘s brethren.’ (v27) The secret of being in the way’ is discovering that Jesus Christ is our living Way. We too can learn this principle in our daily walk. He transformed our family life, even in the midst of busy family medicine.

Moses was surprised with God’s leadership: Who said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ (Exodus 33:14) Moses answered, ‘If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.’ He claimed only the Presence of his Lord would satisfy; refusing to continue unless the Lord of glory led him.

Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord; and proclaimed a fast throughout Israel. ( 2 Chronicles 20:3 ) The king’s motive was right. ‘Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to ask help from the Lord.’ ‘Jehoshaphat confessed ‘O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You.‘. He continued ‘ ‘If disaster comes upon us, sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this temple, and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’ Our all-sufficient Lord covers all exigencies.

Jehoshaphat’s faith rested in his God, ’O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude, that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do; but our eyes are on You.’ (v12) Really, simply keep your Lord always in sight. He is the perfect solution in your crisis.

Our Lord is our Instructor and director; not as a sergeant major barking his orders, but gently, discreetly guiding His dear ones.’ David the psalmist wrote,’ surely in a flood of great waters, they shall not come near him. You are my Hiding place. You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. ’ then the glorious promise of His leadership; ’I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will guide you with My eye.’ (32:8 )

During intern years , a senior surgeon guided in surgical procedures, showing the effective way to operate. A gentle restraint came when we attempted alternative or unproductive measures; an equally, encouragement to follow his planned path. I owe much to patient surgical instructors. We maintained through our lifetime the effective surgical procedure. How much more when the Lord of glory holds our hands, and shows us the way to live gloriously despite difficult situations.

To enjoy such leading, we must trust in the Lord with all our heart, and not lean to our understanding.’ Rightly, the Lord demands all that we are; ’In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5,6 ) Full-hearted trust and refusal to rest on our personal judgment are requirements for God to lead us. We recognise our Lord’s supremacy in every dimension of our lives, to enjoy the exquisite delight of the Lord piloting us. God‘s infinite care of us, his children, ensures that He will order all our paths.

Renton came to Christ during a bible study in our home. The Lord surely ordered his paths; he directed several Australian missionary movements concluding as a bible teacher in a vast bible church in one of Australia’s greatest cities. Gwenda and I recounted the Saturday morning studies for many years- and his astounding development. We recalled to his son, wife and four beautiful teenagers the influence of a father’s life. The secret- Renton was led of the Lord. Is that so with you?

Isaiah wrote of this amazing leading in 48:17. ‘Thus says the Lord your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God. Who teaches you to profit. Who leads you by the way you should go. Then the Lord brokenly lamented,’ Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. ‘

Please observe that He who cares so deeply is your Redeemer, who purchased you with His precious blood. He honours us, asserting He is our Lord and our personal God. Marvellous! Furthermore, He teaches us; and leads us by the only way which we must take. We are privileged people.

Ten years ago, a dear family member succumbed to shattering chronic fatigue syndrome. In that time, the Lord cemented his faith in the Lord Jesus, teaching him the biblical and scientific truths of God’s creation. He now ably, authoritatively defends the Scriptures. Jon studied exhaustively computer science when he could concentrate. He directs the data base in a major teaching hospital. He became an authority in chronic fatigue syndrome, following developments in a research hospital, guiding his physician and other sufferers. Interstate and overseas conventions have opened to him. . Only God could plot such an amazing course. Surrender your life totally to Christ. Truly Jon was led by the way he should go.