Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Exodus 23:20

“Behold I send and angel before you…” Not behind you or beside you. But before you. In front and leading the way.

Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. Exodus 23:21

“Beware of Him…” Be mindful of him. Do not forget him or forget to look to him for direction.

“Obey His voice…” He will tell you where to go, what to do, and what to say. Listen, obey and you will be just fine.

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard or read “live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7) but I still try to live by sight. I want to know God’s plans. Not just the big picture plans (know the gospel, believe the gospel, and preach the gospel), but all the little details along the way, too. I want him to lay it all out for me so I can see exactly where I’m going, who I’ll meet along the way and what I’m suppose to share with them.

I want to see.

I don’t want to use my faith.

But it’s probably best that I don’t know whats coming next. If I did, I’d try to run out in front of God. “I’ve got this one, Father. You can sit it out. Take a load off.” I know this is what I’d say because my actions have spoken this before. Many times. (Sigh)

Each time I’ve thought I’ve known what God was planning, I’ve taken a step and another step and another without consulting him. Without allowing him to lead me. I’ve taken my eyes off him, ignored his voice, and fallen flat on my face.

What a fool I’ve been. Trying to show off for God, I’ve only proven to myself (and others) that I’m not meant to take the lead.

As I read the rest of Exodus 23 I notice all the times God used the pronoun I:

I will cut your enemies off. (v 23)

I will take sickness away. (v 25)

I will give you long life. (v26)

I will send fear before you and I will cause confusion among your enemies and cause them to turn and run. (v 27)

I will drive them out. (vv 29-30)

I will set limits for you. (v 31)

God does it all. He does all the heavy lifting. I am simply asked to follow where he leads, listen to his voice, and obey his directions.

God does it all. He does all the heavy lifting. I am simply asked to follow where he leads, listen to his voice, and obey his directions. Click To Tweet

These verses in Exodus remind me that God has everything taken care of. He has made promise to me — big New Testament promises — and if I trust him, if I truly believe that he desires to lead me, if I have faith that all things work together for my good (Romans 8:28) then I know that all I need is let him lead.

Just let him lead.

Lord in heaven, forgive me for pushing ahead of your leading. Forgive me for insisting on my way and stepping out from behind you. By your grace I want to follow you and you alone. Help me to do so for your glory. In the name of your Son I pray. Amen.

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This post was written while reading quietly through the Bible. Have you written anything lately in response to God’s word? Share it the #QuietlyThrough Thursday link-up.

Only by grace,

Kelli

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You may enjoy these link ups as well: Chasing Community, Fresh Market Friday, Heart Encouragement, Monday @ Soul Survival, RaRaLinkUp, #Tea&Word, Warriors in the Word