Now, I’m not claiming to be a good dancer. Many men I know are not. But awhile back, I discovered a funny thing while meditating on the word “guidance.” I kept seeing “dance” as the last five letters of that word.
Then, I remembered reading once that following God is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead in a dance, nothing feels right. Their movements don’t flow with the music, and everything is uncomfortable and jerky. But when one person lets the other lead, both individuals begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It’s as if two become one, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. Knowing and following God’s leading is much like a dance.
Life is full of options, choices, and decisions. But our first decision answers the question, “Who is going to lead in our lives?” We men struggle with this. We talk about “being our own man,” being decisive, and being in control. But learning how to follow is part of growing in our relationship with Christ. It’s noteworthy that Joshua merely served as Moses’ aide or assistant for 40 years before God elevated him to Commander and Chief of the whole Israeli nation.
So, how does God guide and lead us? How do we engage in this “dance”? Here are four ways:
- Most often, He will speak through His Word. “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
- God often speaks through others in our lives. “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” (Proverbs 9:9)
- He may also speak through circumstances—making it rather obvious that it is He who is opening (or closing) doors of opportunity. When Paul went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, he found that the Lord had opened a door for him there. (See 2 Corinthians 2:12.)
- Also, the Holy Spirit may simply prompt us, like in Acts 13:1-3. While the leaders in the church at Antioch were “worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
We need to learn the “dance” of letting the Lord lead in our lives.
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:16-26
Personal Application: In what ways do you struggle most in following the Lord’s leading in your life? From what we shared in today’s devotion, what steps will you take to ensure you’re in step with God’s Spirit and God’s direction for your life?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5