Following Unseen Footsteps

During the day there was a relentless search for solutions but none were found. In the night his eyelids seemed unwilling to close, always looking but seeing nothing. He wanted to pray but he found he was so troubled he was unable to speak. His present circumstances were oppressive so he sought comfort by tracing the eternal truths that he believed.

He meditated on the ancient wonders of a present God, a God who promised never to leave him or forsake him. This same God who dwells in the highest heavens and works wonders and reveals his strength and power is the same God who dwells with those whose heart is broken and whose hands are limp. As he pondered these eternal truths he heard the voice of the Spirit reminding him of the words of Jesus, "Fear not little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Paralyzed by his fear, he had only focused on his vulnerability but now with the eyes of faith he saw his shepherd. In the presence of his shepherd he realized that he was not dependent on his own strength for survival but the strength of the Good Shepherd. He was quieted by steadfast love and he accepted the truth that everything he needed had already been provided.

The questions that had tormented his mind concerning his inadequacy had been answered by his relationship to the shepherd. The shepherd of his soul was the God of eternity whose voice is like the sound of thunder and whose lightning lights up the world. In the days of old he led his flock through the sea and his path went through the great waters. His sheep followed him even though his footprints were unseen. This shepherd is the same yesterday, today and forever.

As fear lost its hold on his mind and spirit, he began to realize that all his life he had been pursued by the goodness and faithful love of his shepherd. His soul began to find its resting place in the reality that it is never the sheep who pursues the shepherd but the shepherd who pursues the sheep. He could trust his shepherd to work out all the details of his life for good. He could rest in the faithfulness of his shepherd to go before him, be beside him, guard, protect and discipline him on this journey home.