We have a God that goes before us. He goes before us to straighten our path. But if we are honest, with all the pain, sorrows, and uncertainties of this life, sometimes it’s hard to remember let alone believe that the path we walk as the people of the Cross is ordered by the Lord. This is my challenge this year, to really believe deep down in my heart, that whatever I face this year has been approved by God and that wherever I find myself, God has led me there. 

I read the below words and my soul rejoiced not only because of their truth but because of the boldness and courage they instilled in me to always walk ahead with my head held high because of the Majesty of whom I am following as He is forever in front of me, guiding me, loving on me, and sanctifying me into His likeness. This is a glorious truth. May your heart and mine forever rejoice in the truth of who God is. Who He is, is enough to make a heart skip a beat in wonder; enough to drive out all the darkness of this world; enough to hope that regardless of my many mistakes, God fiercely still has a purpose for me! 

I pray that the below words spur you on to be unafraid of the future because you trust in the One who walks ahead of you and forever paves your way as long as you are seeking His will. 

Lord God, have your way in us and through us! 

The below words are from January 14th devotion from “Streams in the desert” devotional. 

“When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them.” John 10:4

This is intensely difficult work for Him and us- it is difficult for us to go, but equally difficult for Him to cause us pain. Yet it must be done. It would not in our best interest to always remain in one happy comfortable location. Therefore He moves us forward. The shepherd leaves the fold so that sheep will move on to the vitalizing mountain slopes. In the same way, laborers must be driven out into the harvest, or else the golden grain would spoil. 

But take heart! It could never be better to stay once He determines otherwise; if the loving hand of our Lord moves us forward, it must be best. Forward, in His name, to green pastures, quiet waters, and mountain heights! (See Ps 23:2) “He goes on ahead of [us].” So whatever awaits us is encountered first by Him, and the eye of faith can always discern His majestic presence out in front. When His presence cannot be seen, it is dangerous to move ahead. Comfort your heart with the fact that the Savior has Himself experienced all the trials He asks you to endure; He would not ask you to pass through them unless He was sure that the paths were not too difficult or strenuous for you. 

This is the blessed life- not anxious to see far down the road nor overly concerned about the next step, not eager to choose the path nor weighted down with the heady responsibilities of the future, but quietly following the Shepherd, one step at a time. 

Dark is the sky! and veiled the unknown tomorrow! 
Dark is life’s way, for night is not yet over;
The longed for glimpse I may not meanwhile borrow; 
But, this I know and trust, HE GOES BEFORE.
Dangers are near! and fears my mind are shaking; 
Heart seems to dread what life may hold in store;
But I am His- He knows the way I’m taking, 
More blessed even still- HE GOES BEFORE.
Doubts cast their weird, unwelcome shadows over me, 
Doubts that life’s best-life’s choicest things are over;
What but His Word can strengthen, can restore me, 
And this blessed fact; that still HE GOES BEFORE. 
HE GOES BEFORE! Be this my consolation! 
He goes before! On this my heart would dwell! 
He goes before! This guarantees salvation! 
HE GOES BEFORE! And therefore all is well. 

J. Danson Smith

The oriental shepherd always walked ahead of his sheep. He was always out in front. Any attack upon the sheep had to take him into account first. Now God is out in front. He is in our tomorrows, and it is tomorrow that fills people with fear. Yet God is already there. All the tomorrows of our life have to pass through Him before they can get to us. F.B Meyer

God is every tomorrow,
Therefore I live for today, 
Certain of finding at sunrise, 
Guidance and strength for my way; 
Power for each moment of weakness,
Hope for each moment of pain, 
Comfort for every sorrow, 
Sunshine and joy after rain. 

Oh Praise God! Jesus, You are my Savior, and I am thankful, deeply thankful in fact, that Your ways are always higher than mine! 

God will always experience first the trials He wants me to experience! What a loving Father! What a faithful Father You are my God!