Following His Lead

“I’m trying to help you!” I said. But I could tell by the look in his eye that he didn’t understand. My dog is known for his beauty more than his brains. He is a pure white Samoyed that gets admiration wherever we go. Little kids always want to pet his fluffy, white fur. The breed is used as reindeer herders in Russia, and are known for wandering and being stubborn. Logan really loves to wander! He thinks every dog in the neighborhood is his best friend, and he will take every opportunity to sneak away for a visit. As he has gotten older, the electric fence in our yard is no longer a deterrent. He is willing to take a quick zap to gain his freedom. To keep him safe at home, we set up a rope tie out that is attached to the deck. The problem is that he regularly winds himself around chairs, trees, and other objects in the yard. Most days I will hear his piercing bark from the backyard, in a distinct “help me” tone.

On this particular day, he had really done himself in. He was completely wrapped around a tree unable to move. I took him by the collar and led him back around the tree. At first he followed my lead, happy to be able move. But as he got a few feet of slack in the line, he began pulling with all his might in the direction of the house. The problem is that he was still hopelessly wrapped around the tree, and needed to go in the opposite direction to be free. So as he pulled with all his might in one direction, and I pulled in the other, finally in frustration I yelled at him, “why don’t you just trust me?”

In that moment a thought dropped into my heart. I wondered if God ever felt the same way? He has promised to order our steps if we ask him. He knows the plans He has for us and the best route to get us there. The problem is that the way may seem confusing to us. His leading may seem to go in the very opposite direction of our desired destination. How often do we stress and strain against his leading?

The “walk of faith” is one step at a time. He doesn’t illuminate the whole path at once. Many of us are on paths we never imagined we would tread. The whole world feels upside down and we want to run for the safety of the familiar. We want to pull with all our might for the comfort of home. But take courage friend, He will lead us on the best path, if we trust Him and follow.

Proverbs 3:5&6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.