Our Guide Through Troubled Times

OUR GUIDE THROUGH TROUBLED TIMES

“But He made His own people go forth like sheep, And guided them in the wilderness like a flock; And He led them on safely, so that they did not fear; But the sea overwhelmed their enemies.” Psalms 78:52-53 (NKJV)

A tombstone epitaph reads: “Pause stranger, when you pass me by. As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you will be. So prepare for death and follow me!” A passerby read those words and underneath scratched this response: “To follow you I’ll not consent, until I know which way you went!” As this little witticism suggests, we need to be careful as to who we follow. Jesus warned us that in the last days there will be many false prophets that will rise up and deceive many (Matthew 24:11) but we can be sure that the path we take will be the right one if we follow our Lord Jesus Christ.

Anyone planning a journey into a dangerous and perilous area where they have never been before would be wise to carefully select a trustworthy, knowledgeable, capable and proven guide to lead them. Every sector of the news media today warns of impending peril in the world. Only the Lord can be trusted to be our guide in such a troubled future.

I. THE LORD KNOWS WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR EACH OF US: “...For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done. “Isaiah 46:9b-10a NKJV

“But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 NKJV.

II. THE LORD KNOWS US AND WE KNOW HIM: “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own. “John 10:14 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27 NKJV

A guide needs to know those he leads. He needs to know the strengths and weaknesses of every one in his group. Our Lord certainly knows all about us. He will place no burden upon us that we cannot bare (I Corinthians 10:13).

III. THE LORD GOES BEFORE US: “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV

Speaking of the characteristics of a good shepherd, Jesus said “…the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” John 10:4 NKJV

The guide is given the charge to lead his group, to go before them and mark the safe path. It is the duty of the group to keep their eye on their guide and not wander off into uncharted areas.

IV. THE LORD HAS ABUNDANT STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY: A guide must have more than just enough strength to make the journey. He must have strength in reserved to assist any in his group that needs help. The psalmist assures us of this by saying, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1. NKJV. Job said to Bildad, “If it is a matter of strength, indeed He is strong. “Job 9:19 NKJV.

The strength of the guide inspires strength in those who follow him. Paul said: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV