Who Needs Maps When They've Got this Guide?

Sometimes the vault is opened and treasures from my life growing up in the Word of God will flutter and settle in my mind for a closer look. And then it seems that He drives it home, just in case I didn't pay attention.

Today, I don't know what day of the week it is (vacation brain -- joy!), but I know the Scriptures throbbing in my mind.

The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. (John 10)

That one popped into my head while I was at home in Maryland, thinking to myself that I don't really understand how to tap into God's guidance. I can pray for wisdom to know what to do about any number of circumstances in my life, but the answer doesn't always crystallize. I'm praying to be the sheep that knows His voice. Then I'll get better at the following.

While this one was fresh in my mind, I saw it pop up in another place. It was a little signal that maybe my sheepness and His shepherdness is exactly where I need to focus.

Then, this one came up, just because I had a hankering for Ephesians:

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe[...]. (Ephesians 1:16-19a)

Then it resurfaced when I opened a Christmas letter from my friend, Saundie. She had included this exact passage in her letter, which I read later the same morning this verse impressed itself on me! I know there are no coincidences happening here.  

Do you see the connection between the 2 passages?

Jesus says His sheep follow Him because they know His voice. He is leading the way (out) as He calls them by name. They know Him, so they follow when they hear His familiar voice. He is trustworthy.

Then I see what Paul has to say, one of the most prolific apostles of Jesus: The most important thing he prays for the beloved church of Christ is "a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him...".


Knowing Jesus Christ is vital. Jesus said it. Paul said it. Jesus said we would know Him, and then hear Him, and then because we know Him, we'll follow Him.

Paul said we will know Him, we will have wisdom and revelation in that knowledge, and then the eyes of hearts will see where He is calling us. It may be a position of understanding more so than a physical place... or maybe it will be both.

May we know Him afresh this year of 2011! A new decade! May that knowledge lead to seeing and hearing. From where do you and I need to be led out? To where do we need to go? Stop trying to see the path, Sydney. Start trying to know your Guide, and then you will be able to follow Him.

For more encouragement soaking in Scripture for 2011, join this community of memorizers (uh, this one is for girls but guys can do the same)! See you there?