Saying "Yes" to the Unknown in 2017

Have you ever had a friend say "just follow me to where we're going?"  When you're driving in a busy city, this can be a little nerve racking as some friends expect you to follow them even though they're weaving in and out of traffic.  They're confident of the way, but they forget that you're not.  Or the worst is when they speed through a yellow light leaving you to find them after the light turns green again.  It's hard to follow some people.  But then there are those who are easy to follow.  Oh, you still have no idea where you're going, but they do everyting they can to guide you to your destination.  Who you're following can make a big difference?

Jesus had been teaching the people, setting people free of oppression and healing their diseases.  Observing all this, a teacher of the law said to Jesus, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go"  (Matthew 8:19, NIV).  No conditions.  No idea where that might lead.  All this man knew is that Jesus was someone worth following.  He had heard and seen enough to know that where Jesus was going, that's where he wanted to go too.  He was saying "yes" to the unknown because He had come to trust the leader.

Do we have that kind of trust in our leader, Jesus?  Sometimes he guides us along steep cliffs or through dark valleys and we might even lose sight of him in the night for a moment.  But He's there, leading us.

God often uses songs to help me remember His truth.  This song by the Vertical Chruch Band has spoken to me over the past week; 

When the sea is calm and all is right
When I feel Your favor flood my life
Even in the good, I'll follow You
Even in the good, I'll follow You
When the boat is tossed upon the waves
When I wonder if  You'll keep me safe
Even in the storms, I'll follow You
Even in the storms, I'll follow You

I believe everything that You say You are
I believe that I have seen Your unchanging heart
In the good things and in the hardest part
I believe and I will follow You
I believe and I will follow You

("I Will Follow You" by Jacob Sooter & Jon Guerra from the album "The Rock Won't Move" by Vertical Church Band)

As we begin a new year, my challenge to us as a church is; are we willing to follow Jesus wherever He takes us?  Are we willing to earnestly pray that we would seize the opportunties placed in front of us.  Will we "[make] the most of every opportunity..."  (Ephesians 5:16, NIV).  Would you join me in 50 days of focused prayer as we begin 2017?  I encourage you to download and print this "Make the Most" card to help you stay on track, reading the three key verses each day to guide your prayers.  Download "Make the Most" card here>>

You can listen to "I Will Follow" below.

For a free chord chart and video tutorial of this song, visit
https://www.essentialworship.com/songs/vertical-church-band/i-will-follow