“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
– Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

Such simple direction Jesus gave to his first disciples – “Follow me.” That’s it. Just follow.

I don’t know about you, but when I am setting out to accomplish something, I like to have a little more direction than just “follow me.” That’s just me – I like orderly planning. I like to understand the task that is laid out before me. Yet here I am, just about to start my eighth semester of part-time studies to obtain a master’s degree in theology, and what I am still doing is just following.

When I first started working towards this degree, I had no idea where God was taking me. All I knew then was that I was being pulled to learn about the Bible, the life of Jesus, different religions and theologies. As I have completed each course, a little bit more of God’s plan has been revealed to me. Even in the midst of a semester withdrawn to undergo surgery, God continued to clear the blurred vision around my heart. In addition to that, I recently realized the necessity to add a certificate program to my degree in order to become more focused in a particular area.

So, after all that, why do I still like orderly planning? Why do I still feel the need to understand the task laid out before me? Perhaps because I lack faith in God. Or maybe, I lack faith in myself. Without the orderly plans, I may very well make a wrong turn. I might miss a sign from God, or simply stop moving altogether out of fear or frustration. I could really mess this whole thing up! Or, I could stop for a moment and reflect on all the ways I have been receptive to God’s guidance during the past few years. When I do that, I see a woman of faith, praying for guidance, and following the direction of those whose spiritual lives are full of love and peace.

Today, I will follow You.
Today, I will follow the children of Yours that You place in my path.
Today, I will have faith in You.
Today, I will have faith in the work You are doing in me.
Today, I will follow You.