Life is full of choices, decisions, and options. It’s also full of people with strong opinions who love to try and tell us which way they think we should go. If we could go back in time, nearly all of us would alter some of our past choices because they have caused us to find ourselves in the path of ‘wrongness’ rather than ‘righteousness’. Sheep will gravitate towards whatever appeals to their instincts, such as a juicy berry bush, even though it takes them away from the flock and the shepherd’s protective care. They think they know the best path, when they really have no idea! So, have you been following your appetites and instincts rather than your Shepherd? We often rely on our own intelligence to make the right decision – after all, God blessed us with it, and He encourages us to develop it. But that’s only part of the story. We also need to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit within us if we want to make the best possible decision. ‘The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead them’ (Romans 8:14 NCV). God leads us through His Word and through His Spirit. As we read His Word, we hear His voice, and He speaks to our hearts about what He wants us to do. If we wander onto the wrong path, all we need to do is turn back to God and He’ll guide us back to the safety of the right path. ‘He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out…he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice’ (John 10:3-4 NKJV). So today, let God lead you!
