Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Trusting God’s Lead, discusses how to follow God when the path leads away from our own.

Show Notes: Trusting God’s Lead

Sometimes, I get a tiny bit aggravated at my husband when he is driving. Now I know that none of you ladies out there, experience this but try to imagine. We are shopping, say at the sporting goods store. We then decide to go across town to the grocery store. The best way to get to said grocery store—in my opinion—would be to take the winding path through obscure lanes and back streets driving slower but avoiding the traffic and loooong traffic lights.

But no. He’ll follow the main roads every single time, and wait through all those lights. It makes me want to scream. I mean, if he’d only listen to me…

Hmm. Kinda ties in with today’s topic, huh? How many times has God asked me to stay on the boring main roads and follow His direction? I occasionally listen but often get lost on those side roads, experience a breakdown, or even find myself in a really bad place. All because I couldn’t follow God’s lead.

Jeff Walling reminds us why it’s wise to trust God and not ourselves: “Having put the steering wheel and our trust firmly in the Father’s hand, good things will happen. Old habits will be conquered and new challenges will be met. Opportunities will knock, and doors will open.”

I love the thought that God can and will help us deal with habits, challenges, and opportunities. Doors will open. Have you ever been in a large medical complex trying to figure out where a specific doctor’s office is? First, you need to find the right floor, then the right hallway, and finally the door. Depending on how well instructions are set up along the way determines how fast you find where you need to go.

God is saying to us, “I’m the guide above all guides, including yourself. I’ll not only show you the pathway, but I’ll be with you every step of the way. I’ll constantly find ways to garner your attention so you won’t miss anything that I have for you. Follow me.”

Isaiah 58:11 tells us: “The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”

All because we trust the Lord’s guidance. What else does God say about following His lead?

God will make our path straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
God will uphold us. Psalm 37:23-24
God makes sure we hear him. Isaiah 30:21
God will give us peace. Luke 1:79

And these are just a few of the many promises in His Word. So, the next time I want to take a shortcut and skip the path God is so clearly pointing the way to, I’ll recall the words in the Bible. Maybe the red lights won’t last quite so long.

Let’s pray: Father God, thank You that You love me even when I struggle to follow Your leading. My way seems to make sense but You are the ultimate Guide. I’m tired of being lost and stranded on my own. I’ll wait for You, Your will, and timing. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

God will lead me along the best path if I’ll only follow Him.
Today’s featured author is Jennifer Hallmark, the author of Jessie’s Hope, a Southern family novel. Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, she worries that she cannot hold on to those she loves.

Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when obstacles–including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather–hijack Jessie’s dream wedding? Learn more at jenniferhallmark.com/books
Next week, we’ll learn how to reflect on the good. Until then, stay determined to dance.

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