The other day I was on the phone with a friend. She was flying into the area and we were making plans for her visit. She planned to rent a car and drive to Naples, but she didn’t know how to get from the airport to my home. I offered to meet her at the airport so that she could follow me. There was a pause—a hesitation of sorts. I could tell that she was a bit nervous about this plan, so I asked her what was wrong. “I’m nervous about following your car, losing sight of you.”
I could totally understand her nervousness. How often have we tried to follow someone, lost sight of them, lost track, and ended up just plain lost. There is something very basic in our make-up that fears getting lost. Think back to when you were a child and out on a shopping expedition with a parent or guardian. Your attention is diverted, you turn around to look at something else, turn back and you realize with dread that you are alone. You cannot see your loved ones. Oh no you’re lost!
No one wants to be lost—regardless of age, wisdom, or experience.
Sometimes the dread and fear of being lost keeps us from moving forward. We know where we are, so why can’t we just stay there. However, life is about moving forward. God’s call in our life is about moving and growing, as well. There are several times in Jesus’ ministry that he calls to people and says, “Follow me.” Some passages that come to mind are:
“Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
We are invited to follow Jesus, but are you like me and sometimes feel that little child inside of you who fears where you may go or if you may get lost?
I find comfort in the John 10:27 verse where Jesus is the good shepherd—protecting his beloved flock. There is a deep relationship between the shepherd and those for whom he cares and protects. Remember the comforting words from Psalm 23.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…He leads me beside quiet waters…Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Have you ever been on a trip or a tour with a good guide or leader? That guide knows the terrain and the surroundings. They will walk backwards ahead of you so that you never lose sight of their face-so that you may always be in their view. They guide you to places where you may rest and find shelter.
When Jesus says “Follow me” he invites us to part of an incredible journey through life, faith, and love. God will never forsake us. We are treasured children in the eyes of God!
May you feel the blessing of God’s goodness this day and every day in your journey!
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