Today my husband, and five of our kids went on a day trip down south. Down south to anyone who has ever lived in WA means a two hour drive south to one of the holiday destinations in our beautiful state. Vineyards, bushland, white sandy beaches, little windy roads that lead to such delights as the regions chocolate, cheese, fudge, and olive factories, plus all the other local cuisine. At this time of year it is all blue skies and sunshine, complimented by cooling swims in the cool, crystal clear waters of the ocean.
Today we started our day early and happily meandered along stopping at this spot and that, collecting and taste testing our “down south” favourite foods in preparation for a picnic lunch. It was a full, and blissful day of “a little bit of this, and a little bit of that”; made even better by the new discoveries, and pleasant surprises we happened upon along the way.
Everyday life with Jesus can be just like our day trip; especially when we are following His lead. He can lead us on a far different route than we expected, down paths we may never have envisaged. I think He purposely loves to surprise and remind us that “we can make our plans, but He directs our steps”. (Proverbs 16:9)
I’ve also discovered that allowing Him to take the lead in our lives makes our story far more interesting. He adds flavour, seasoning, and colour to our lives, as He adds “a little bit of this, and a little bit of that”. Sometimes that means bringing different people and relationships into our lives; perhaps even those individuals that we would never have imagined we would meet, let alone like. Sometimes it means we travel the unknown, or have opportunities to experience and develop in ways we couldn’t make happen. God just does it! Actually He promises He will do exactly that. He said, “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
“Now to Him who is able carry our His purpose and do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think (indefinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)
The key is for us to be willing and obedient to follow His lead, and be open to new and varied experiences. It’s having an attitude of willingness to try new things, trusting that God only has good and beneficial things planned for us. Stepping into those new things may stretch us on occasion, but God is the orchestrator of us living a full and overflowing life. Which means that at times we’ve just got to “launch out with Him into the deep”
As Jesus said, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10 Amp)
Today, entrust your day and future to Him, as you take adventures with Jesus, and follow His lead in all the areas of your life. Allow Him to bring the flavour and colour, as He adds a “liitle bit of this, and a little bit of that”, knowing that, “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)
Here is a song to encourage you today as you follow Jesus’ lead. It’s by Jen Johnson and Bethel Music – Chasing you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCGJUcor30M
Prayer: Lord thank you that you have so much for me to live and experience in my relationship with you, and in every area of my life. Help me to trust you every day to add those things that you have planned for me since before I was even born, so that my life would be one of colour, flavour and abundant life. I give you permission to surprise me, and to give me a “little push out into the deep” when I need it. In Jesus name Amen
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