A Series of Confusing Turns

Many years ago my family took a trip up north for one of my brother's wedding. Because of the number of people going we were in 2 separate cars. My oldest brother, Dave, and his family let the pair. Before we were even out of our neighborhood Dave made several crazy, random turns. He made a series of rights followed by lefts and more rights. There was no rhyme or reason to where he was going. He was simply driving around the neighborhood.
My other brother Phil, who was driving the car in which I was, finally pulled up beside Dave to ask what in the world he was doing. Dave replied, “I was attempting to find out just how good a follower you are.” Because this was a time before cell phones, it was imperative that we stuck together and did not get separated on the road. My brother wanted to be sure that if he suddenly exited the highway at an unexpected location or turned down the wrong road, our car would follow him. He wanted to determine this before we ever reached the highway that would begin our journey north.
As confused as Phil had been, he had passed the test. Dave`s vehicle had never left our sight. Despite the lack of understanding and mild frustration that had been building, our car had stuck with the leader. Our leader was now confident that we would arrive together.
Sometimes we may feel God`s path for us is taking random, strange turns through the familiar areas of our lives. Lessons that we thought we had already learned maybe put to test again through new trials. We may be asked to do the same type of service as we have many times before. We may even feel as though we've taken several steps forward, when God turns around and goes in a direction that we would consider backward.
How well do we follow when we do not understand? Solomon, in his great wisdom wrote, “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP)

Jesus repeatedly told people to follow him. “And He said to them, Come after Me [as disciples—letting Me be your Guide], follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men!” (Matthew 4:19 AMP)  We do not read in Scripture that He told people exactly where they would be going. He simply told them to follow and that there would be a purpose. We are referred to as sheep and He is the Good Shepherd. “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 AMP)  Sheep will follow the Shepherd's voice without question. This same obedience must apply to us.

The hotel where a wedding would take place was the destination of this trip. That was never in question. We even had a map and a planned route. God has provided a destination of His perfect plan for our lives. He has also given us a road map of sorts in His Word. We follow the instructions found in Scripture. Sometimes the leading of the Holy Spirit will be understandable and other times we will take many confusing turns. In all times following is key.
In order to follow we must remain attentive. We can do this by daily prayer and Bible study. We do not want to let these become lax. We also want to keep our hearts sensitive to His voice throughout the day. When we are not in constant contact with God it is easy to miss a turn. We also want to remain close so that He is ever in our line of vision. Allowing God out of sight, even for a short time, can have serious consequences.

There are many promises when we follow the Lord completely. The prophet Isaiah wrote these. “Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19 AMP) “I will go before you and level the mountains [to make the crooked places straight]; I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut asunder the bars of iron.” (Isaiah 45:2 AMP) Solomon tells us, “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” (Proverbs 16:9 AMP) These are just a few. All are exciting and encouraging.

So if your life seems to be taking unexpected turns, stick close to the leader and follow His every turn. He knows the way and will make sure you arrive safely.