Most of us can get caught up in thinking that being in God’s will implies life will always go smoothly: friendships will be easy, situations will be positive, work will go well….

That’s just not reality, though, in a world full of imperfect people, including ourselves. Also, going through difficult situations affords us opportunities for God to grow our faith. Why would we think we need humbling and more spiritual growth if everything seemed to always be coming up roses?

But God knows what we need. He declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8 NIV). Reading God’s Word and seeing God’s character (plus just the fact that he is God!) helps us see that God works in ways beyond our comprehension. He knows both the big picture and all the details, the past, present, and future. How amazing that our God is “slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion” (Numbers 14:18a NIV, letter L for loving in Follow and Lead). So as God is in control, he is also loving and merciful to us. He works for his glory and our good – defined by his righteousness.

Confident in that, we might be more quick to allow God to direct our steps, no matter the struggles we endure for his sake. Are we committing our life moments to him? They may prove to be challenging and confusing by our standards, but we can trust our good Father. And because of that, we persevere in living out our faith.

Can you recall stories of individuals who responded with a “yes” to God as he changed their course in life? In addition to those you may know personally, consider Abraham, Mary the mother of Jesus, Brother Andrew, and Elisabeth Elliot, who each had their lives turned upside down by their own estimations. As they followed God’s lead, though it was challenging, he blessed them for his glory and their good. Being a vessel for God’s work while growing in closer communion with him through life’s journey is the substance of life.

As we walk with the Lord, may we pray for his will to be done, rather than our will. When challenges arise, may we allow God to use those for his purposes – in our own life and others’. We would not want to stifle the Holy Spirit’s work in us or through us just by wanting trials to stop – it is often through the most challenging times that we draw nearer to God.

Let’s remember, “He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes” (1 Samuel 3:18b NIV, letter H in Do LAPS! Volume 2).

Focus on God’s character each day when you work through Follow and Lead!