"Let him lead"

I feel like God has brought people into my life at such a specific time. For instance, Jamie K. came into my life when I needed some leadership, friendship, and a person in my life who could model beauty from ashes. I need her so.

Katie B. came into my life when I needed a girl who would love me and stick by me no matter what. Once I gave up on our friendship (i know, sad huh?) and she confronted me (bravo) and said, that she wouldn't let me get rid of her.

Holly and Rachel came into my life when I was short on girl friendships. They encouraged my walk with God, my randomness, and my love for ice cream.

Kelli came into my life when I had just about given up on a best friend. I had many friends and the above sisters but God knew my heart desired someone who could walk through fire with me. He gave me Kelli...

I could go on... and I know I am missing so many people... but I want to get to my point.

Yesterday I got an email with a potential decision I could make. Do I trust God? This is the question... do I trust that even when I don't understand what is happening in my life, that He is still in control?!

So of course, I brought this question up to my sisters...

And Ducky told me, "If God is pursuing you, (which I believe He is) then I need to trust Him to never leave me or forsake me, to guide me, to protect me, and to lead me." Then she said something so profound, "Let Him lead."

If I take control of this situation, I am telling God, "no, this is too scary to give to You. I have to take this into my own hands..." And I've done that before. Oh, buh-lieve me! I've tried to live my own life on my own strength, wayyy too much.

So I am doing this God's way. Because I believe that what the Bible says is true, God's ways are higher than mine, He will never leave me nor forsake me, He brings things together for my good.

This fell into what I was reading today in the Word (isn't that fun when God does that...) I read Isaiah 43 and was thinking about verse 2. *When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.*

I thought, "Hm, this is interesting... God doesn't say, 'If' you walk through these things or 'try to avoid these things'. Instead He says, 'WHEN'!"

Then my Dad sent me this picture and I thought it went nicely with the thought of God leading us, although sometimes it is scary. He is STILL faithful to lead us.

So as I walk through my own difficult times, I am going to choose the way everlasting and choose to trust God.

So Lord, I am going to let You lead. I am going to trust You. And when I don't understand "why" things are happening or even what the outcome will be, I will still trust You.
I believe your ways are higher than mine. And I believe You have already brought me through fire and deep waters and steep mountain sides. You have been nothing but FAITHFUL and LOVING to me. You pursue me with passion and with perseverance.
If this next step is an opportunity to trust You and become more righteous, more patient, more gracious, more forgiving, more hopeful in You~ than I embrace this time. I embrace Your ways... Thank you for drawing me out into the wilderness and for investing in me. I will reflect the glory You have shone on me. For You and You alone...