If you recall, I created a little Advent calendar for one of my Bible study groups to help us focus more on Jesus through the month of December. The word to reflect, contemplate and meditate upon today on my little Advent calendar is “follow.”

I thought of each character who participated in the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph followed God’s direction and allowed the events to unfold just as the angel had said. The shepherds knew they needed to follow the sign given by the angel. And those glorious Magi followed a star from a great distance to see the Christ child.

There were others who followed God’s direction during these months and years. Elizabeth and Zechariah followed God’s lead in the birth of their son. John, their son, followed God throughout his life and prepared others for their following of Jesus.

As I looked at my own life, I could see snippets of time when I followed Jesus. My trip to SE Asia was one and the moment I started writing Full Measure of Joy was another. In these two instances, I knew for sure it was what God wanted me to do.

Do you ever wonder about God’s leading in your life? Do you think it is possible? Are you willing to follow God regardless of where He takes you? Let’s look at Scripture to see how God works in our lives and how we can be open to following His direction.

It would be wonderful if God was as visible to us as He was to Israel during their journey in the wilderness. He led them by day by a pillar of cloud and at night by a pillar of fire. (Exodus 13:20-22) But the interesting thing in these verses is that it says that “the Lord went ahead of them in” each of these pillars. He was there, but He went before them. Leading them. Directing their path.

God isn’t that visible today. Instead, God urges us to use His Holy Spirit and His Holy Words to guide us on the right path. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Acknowledging God is the first step to understanding His leading.

Then we need to ask God to lead us through His wisdom and truth. Psalm 145:18 (NIV) says, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

We find similar instruction in Luke 11:9-10. When we ask God to lead and guide us, He will do so. Just ask.

After we’ve asked for guidance, we need to be open to instruction. We need to listen and accept instruction from God. “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.” (Psalm 16:7 – NIV) Psalm 32:8 reminds us that when we follow God’s counsel He will watch over us. What a blessing from God when we accept His instruction!

Our next step is to follow. Follow God’s lead. Isaiah 48: 17 tells us, “This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.’”

Jesus shared these words in John 16:13 (NIV). “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

Jesus also reminds us in John 8:12 (NIV), “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

When we are open to following God’s lead, we will be in the light. That light will illuminate the path, the direction, the way we should go and it will be clear.

The benefits of following God’s lead are a great encouragement. Isaiah put it beautifully when he said, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11 – NIV)

Who wouldn’t enjoy refreshment and satisfaction from God? I know there is nothing like it and without God’s guidance, I would feel parched. Empty. Lethargic.

I don’t know where God will call me next. But what I do know is that when the time comes, I must be willing to say “Yes, I will follow You.” As I wait, I am preparing myself, learning from Him and seeking God’s wisdom.

I really don’t know where God will call you next either. But I pray that you will also be willing to say “Yes” when the time comes.

And as we think about the Christmas story, let’s praise God for those who were willing to say “Yes” and follow Him without hesitation.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna