When I was a young Southern Presbyterian – bear with me, please – I used to giggle at our Youth Pastor who always used the same phrase in his prayers on Sunday nights. He would ask God to “lead, guide, and direct” each of us. We made it a joke because it seemed like a prayer phrase straight out of the Christian version of a Thesaurus. Funny, but today it crossed my mind as I reflected on some other things. It just popped in there from 40 years ago, and the lesson was suddenly obvious. Those aren’t similar words at all anymore. But they are a lesson in surrender, something I’m trying to master in the struggle.
Lead – God’s willingness to be the point person. He says, I AM. He is at the ready, casting the vision, setting the course for all eternity.
Guide – God’s willingness to include us in His plan. He lets us in on the vision. He seeks a relationship with us individually, and guides us to Him as much as we are willing to follow
Direct – God’s willingness to help us find our way. He opens and closes doors, gives us help through the Holy Spirit, reveals His way in His word.
Lead, guide, and direct is a like a brief synopsis of God’s love for us. And that’s no joke.
Lead – God’s willingness to be the point person. He says, I AM. He is at the ready, casting the vision, setting the course for all eternity.
Guide – God’s willingness to include us in His plan. He lets us in on the vision. He seeks a relationship with us individually, and guides us to Him as much as we are willing to follow
Direct – God’s willingness to help us find our way. He opens and closes doors, gives us help through the Holy Spirit, reveals His way in His word.
Lead, guide, and direct is a like a brief synopsis of God’s love for us. And that’s no joke.