“We’re only able to heed his direction though, when we bathe ourselves in prayer and wash ourselves in his Word. We must first know, and understand, who we’re following, before we accept God’s extended hand.”
Several months ago, I went salsa dancing.
As a beginner I was paired with multiple partners in order to gain a wider experience and familiarity with different moves and styles.
All of my male partners kept saying the same thing to me, “follow my lead.”
I kept responding, “I don’t know how! I’m not a good follower! You have to do more than just lift your hand up or tap my back. I need direct, explicit, verbal instructions!”
As of late, when it comes to my relationship with God, I’ve been behaving in much the same way.
I’ve been trying to make things happen on my own. I’ve been forcing things to work, generating my own momentum, pirouetting according to my own rhythm, rather than relying on God’s timing.
All the while, God has been saying, “follow my lead.”
Following God’s lead is tricky. Teasing out his will from mine can be painstaking. I often offer up explanations to justify my disobedience, cry out in feigned helplessness, or give myself a pass when it comes to doing the work of discernment. Following my lead, my inclinations, seems easier.
Yet, there’s more to it than just the ease. Ultimately, my hesitancy in accepting God’s invitation stems from disbelief. It comes from a distrust in God’s leading, guidance, and ability to orchestrate life’s dance without my two cents. Voluntarily handing over control isn’t something I do well. More often than not, it’s an agonizing process.
However, much like my salsa counterparts, God is a patient, and gracious, dance partner. In trying to follow his lead, we may stumble and look foolish, but God is holding our hand the entire time.
This leading may manifest in a soft voice, a thunderous roar, or the wise counsel of fellow believers. God speaks via all modes. We just need to listen and take his cue.
We’re only able to heed his direction though, when we bathe ourselves in prayer and wash ourselves in his Word. We must first know, and understand, who we’re following, before we accept God’s extended hand.
When we do this, relinquishing control, kicking up our heels up, and twirling around life’s dance floor will be more graceful than we thought possible.
We’ll discover that following God’s lead is in fact easier.