And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3
Spiritual Leader, to know where He is taking you, it will make the journey much more enjoyable if you know Him.
When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle. Exodus 13:17-18
The routes selected by God will likely be different than your own logic will take you. If you know Him and trust Him, you won’t be going along the road pestering God with the truth that it seems that He is going the wrong way. It is not actually the wrong way, but we tend to judge by mere appearances. He is all wise and all knowing. Take time to get to know Him so that you can look at the route that looks a bit sketchy and know that He knows what He is doing.
Getting to know Him is about much more than just adding in a list of spiritual disciplines. To accomplish this we must sit with the Lord and ask Him questions. Investigate His claims not only in Scripture but find evidence of what He has pulled off throughout history. Purposely develop some confirmation bias so you can more often see what God is doing in your world.
When you read the Bible, don’t simply read to check the box. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate His Word to You. Invite Him to speak to you as you read. You don’t need to plead with Him, like He is a captive that we must force to participate. He longs to spend time with you. Sometimes you might come across some challenging passages. Simply ask Him why that is there or what you are to do with that passage? Then shut your yapper and listen to what He speaks to you. Do not be in a hurry.
When you pray, don’t push through your shopping list. Sit with Him with open ears and open eyes. Look for Him to speak. Share with Him your pains, your challenges. Worship Him with your praise and bring your questions to Him. Do bring in that shopping list but move beyond it. Share your heart with Him.
When you serve your community, do not do it for applause. Serve your community as unto the Lord. Sometimes this means serving your enemy. Most of the time this service will be unnoticed and sometimes even criticism. Do it anyway.
When you do these things with the eye in getting to know who God is, the journey will begin to make sense. Suddenly, you will feel a fire within, prompting you forward.
