Following

In the past few weeks, I've had many thoughts of doubt, worry and discouragement. Most of these thoughts are about my ability and the outcome or results of something. I'm tempted to stop and stand in a place of fear. And if I do this, not move or believe by faith, I will not be following Jesus instead I'll be following fear.

I'm reading a book on living a victorious life in Christ. In it are areas of a Christian's life that must be surrendered to the Lord so that you do experience a life of victory in Jesus. Some of the areas of surrender are faith, doubt, the will and the area I'm reading on now is the area of temptation. Temptation leads us to make a choice, am I going to follow my Savior and obey or am I going to follow my temptation to sin and follow something or some one else, namely my flesh or the enemy? The author states that earlier on in Israel's history, when they left Egypt, God didn't lead them through enemy territory. He led them around the Philistines. And He did this because He knew they would be frightened and turn back to Egypt (Exodus 13:17-18). However, later on, as Israel had walked with God and experienced His leading and love, God led them right through enemy territory. And that was where their promised land was right in the middle of where the enemy was! God knew when His children would be ready to bear the temptations of doubt, fear, worry and the burden of heavy battle in order to follow Him right into enemy territory. In order to follow God I have to be willing to go into territories that will tempt me to doubt, worry and fear. Am I willing to go into these areas and rely on the Lord's leading to follow Him right through the scary temptations that await me?

I'm called to battle with the Lord. To fight the good fight. To be victorious in Christ. Is that not what happens when I decide to trust m Savior instead of giving into doubt, worry and fear. The line from Star Trek comes to mind, "To boldly go where no man has gone before!" Thank goodness that others have walked this path with the Lord and do live victoriously through Him because they do decide every day to trust Him.

Is it that the more tempted I am by the enemy or my own flesh, the more proof there is that the Lord is leading into the promised land of what He has called me to do for His kingdom and great glory? I don't want to miss that! I want Him to use me! I want to be like the vessels that are used for honor and His great purpose like the ones that Paul told Timothy about in 2 Timothy 2:20-21. Some vessels are used for His special purpose, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for His good work because that vessel has been purified by Christ and walks obediently with Him. Am I setting myself apart from my temptations of doubt, fear and worry or I am being used for ordinary use because I follow after my flesh or worse the enemy and His lies?

There is much at stake for believers! If I give into the temptations and decide to follow the enemy through the territory where God has led me, many will never know of Christ and His love. Others around me will see me acting out of fear, doubt and worry and they too will be effected by my lack of trust in my Savior. Did I not give my life, my whole entire life to the Lord? Have I not told Him I will follow You Lord and only You?

Who will I follow, my fear or my Savior?

When I am afraid I will trust in You, I will trust in You, Lord.

Psalm 56:3-4

When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

There's a kid's song that I'm think of and we've sung it in Bible. There's also a song by Selah that sings about the declaring the greatness of God. I can't do that if I'm not following Him because I'm following my own thoughts of doubt or worry or I'm choosing to follow fear. It's not possible.

So, the choice is none other than to follow my Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the King of Kings, Lord of Lord, my first Love always, my Best Friend, and my God.

I will follow You Lord!

When I Am Afraid by Steve Green https://youtu.be/bcWEc1MjIGU?si=Og9qMdBWj-D6xXAQ

Selah - No Sweeter Name https://youtu.be/sLE297UI-es?si=IXm7zO838of87rhX