“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)

As I led my new horse, Conagher, to the wash rack, he balked, planted his feet, and raised his head at the edge of the concrete slab. Clearly, he was letting me know that he wasn’t sure if he wanted to walk onto that unfamiliar surface.

By maintaining steady, yet gentle pressure on his halter and lead rope, and by moving off a bit to one side, I stimulated the movement of his feet. Once moving again, he joined me on the concrete slab. After he did, I let him know that he did the right thing by encouraging and reassuring him as I rinsed him with the hose.

At times we hesitate or allow our misgivings to prevent us from moving forward in the direction God is leading. Perhaps we even get a little sidetracked. When we plant our feet and fail to move forward, God doesn’t beat us or try to drag us onward; but with patience and gentleness, he encourages us to take the next step in following Him. The Holy Spirit encourages and prompts us to trust and follow.

As we do follow Him our faith increases. As our faith increases, we learn that we can trust and follow Him. “Lord, I’m apprehensive about what lies ahead. Yet I know that wherever You lead me, You will be with me. Help me to follow the leading of your Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Guest blogger,

Dave Evans