As we step into this new year, I've been reflecting on how you can deepen your walk with Jesus and follow Him more readily.
When we do, I believe He will add so much more to our lives than we could imagine. No matter how great we envision our lives, He wants to show us a far richer, more meaningful one.
This reflection reminds me of a conversation I had with one of our daughters, a professional dancer. She's recently been studying Latin dance and shared how becoming a better follower is crucial. In dancing, the leader guides with subtle cues, and the follower's aim is to respond effortlessly, creating a beautiful harmony.
However, there are "easy follows" and "hard follows." An easy follower is attuned to the leader's slightest movements, responding fluidly. In contrast, a hard follower resists, has heavy hands and stilted movements or anticipates incorrectly, disrupting the flow.
Similarly, in our spiritual lives, you can choose to be easy or hard follower of Jesus. Just as a dancer trusts and responds to their partner's lead, we are invited to trust and respond to Jesus' guidance in our lives.
Psalm 32:8-9 reminds us: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle."
God desires to guide us gently, with a loving glance, rather than having to repeatedly redirect, reroute and come to the rescue because we wanted to do things our way, only to realise that might not have been the best decision.
The Call to Follow
Think about the first disciples. Peter and Andrew were casting nets into the sea when Jesus called them: "Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people." Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him (Matthew 4:19-20 NIV) Their prompt response highlights the readiness of an easy follower.
Matthew, a tax collector, was at his booth when Jesus said, "Follow me." Without hesitation, Matthew got up and followed Him (Matthew 9:9 NIV).
These men left their livelihoods and familiar lives to follow Jesus, trusting in His lead without resistance.
Ephesians 3:20 NIV tells us that God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
Choosing to Be an Easy Follower in the New Year
As you step into this new year, I encourage you to embrace the opportunity to deepen your walk with Jesus. Just like dancers, where the follower responds effortlessly to the leader's guidance, you're invited to follow Jesus with trust and grace. He knows the way so you don't need to worry or be afraid. Just allow Him to gently lead by His Word and His presence in your life.
Daily choose to be an easy, attentive follower, sensitive to His guidance, so he can easily lead you into the fullness of His plans for you in the year ahead.
Prayer for the New Year
Lord, as I enter this new year, please help me to be an easy follower, attentive to Your guidance and responsive to Your leading. Forgive me for the times I've been stubborn resistant, follow and help me to trust You more, stepping out in faith as Peter, Andrew, and Matthew did. You take the lead Jesus, and I'll do my best to follow. In Jesus' Name Amen.