I'll Just Follow Your Lead (Chapter 8)

  

  "Are you up to going for a walk?" Jesus asked me.  "The canyon is really beautiful just passed the bend."
  "Yes, I would love to see that!  That's one of the reasons I love coming out here.  It seems like there is always something amazing to see no matter what direction you look."  As we walked I soaked in the beauty that was all around us.  The cliffs on both sides caused the path to narrow as we walked alongside a small creek and then the path surprisingly opened up to a breath-taking cove with a magnificent waterfall.
  "Wow!  This is incredible!  I never even knew this was here!" I exclaimed.
  "Well, unless you share it, this is a pretty well kept secret.  Most people pass by the beach where we ate lunch so they never see this."
  As we walked around the cove I was completely amazed.  I was really enjoying being with Jesus.  It was as if I was suddenly seeing everything in a different light.  As we continued to walk my thoughts drifted back to Jesus' question-Could I teach others to pray?  I had no idea how I would go about this.  Where would I even start? Why would anyone listen to me?
  "Careful you don't trip," Jesus warned.
  I looked down at the path and I saw nothing in my way.  "What do you see that I don't?" I asked puzzled.
  "Don't let your fears trip you up.  It's a lot easier to find excuses than it is to muster a little courage," revealed Jesus.  "I thought you were going to trust me," Jesus said with a smile.
  "I am.  I'm sorry,  I didn't mean to slip back into my old habits.  So...you want me to help others to pray, how would you like me to go about that?"
  "It's simpler than you think.  First, I want you to start with yourself.  Devote some time to prayer.  Really get to know me.  I have so much I want to share with you.  Little by little I will reveal truths to you and your faith will grow stronger.  Close your eyes to the ways of the world and just feel my presence inside you.  Then when you open your eyes you will see the world through my eyes and not your own.  The beauty of this waterfall pales in comparison to the beauty of a soul that trusts in my loving mercy.  As I extend my mercy to you then you must extend it to others."
  "Who do you want me to share this knowledge of prayer with?"
  "I want you to start very slow.  Begin by praying for those around you.  As you pray for others your eyes will be opened to their needs. Do what you can to help them.  They will be touched by your example, and will want to do the same."
  "Should I tell them I'm praying for them?" I asked.  "I don't usually tell people 'I'll pray for you'.  It seems a little awkward."
  "Well, I'll leave that up to you, but most people like to know that you care enough to offer prayers for them."
  "What should I say?"
  "Tell people that you will pray that God will help them.  I want people to know that I will always love them, especially when things are difficult.  Tell them to always turn to me and not to turn away. So many people turn away from me when they encounter problems and that makes their burden even more difficult. Every child needs to be directed through a storm or else the storm will consume them. Encourage them to trust me and pray that they, too, will hear my voice and allow me to guide them." 
  I took a deep breath in and then slowly let it out.  I felt a refreshing breeze blow through me as I did my best to understand and remember everything Jesus had just told me.  "So what should I do next?"
  "Exactly what you did today.  Follow my lead.  I am the Way the Truth and the Light.  Trust me and look around you.  Notice who I put in your path.  Pray with your heart and listen for my voice."
  "Jesus, I'm starting to think I really could do this."
  "I always knew you could."
  "And you will always be there for me?"
  Jesus smiled and promised, "Always....Are you ready to begin?"

(This story stops here, but it will continue when you discover that this story was about you, and Jesus would like you to follow His lead.  Are you ready to begin?")

-Susan

I'll Just Follow Your Lead (Chapter 7)

  I sat for a while on the rock looking out into the water.  I tried to take in  Jesus' words as best as I could.  Perhaps if I had led a more prayerful life from the start this would make more sense to me.  My life was filled with past pains and I suspected my heart was too injured to let go of all the pain and anger and just trust again.  There was definitely a lot more to "Thy Will be done" than I had previously realized.
  I turned to Jesus and said, "I don't know if I would be a very good reflection of your love.  You know what my heart and life look like.  There are days that I am more messed up than I like to admit."
  I felt Jesus' hand on my arm and he gave me a gentle squeeze.  His eyes looked directly into mine as he spoke.  "I know your heart has been wounded.  I understand wounded hearts.  Mine, too, was pierced.  But it was through this piercing that I poured my love and mercy onto the world.  If you allowed me, I could heal your heart and that wound which holds you back will become the spot that I will dwell.  Over time that vulnerable area of pain will heal you and others."
  "How?"
  "That torn area in your heart will not be able to hold my loving mercy inside and it will flow threw your pierced areas and touch those near to you.  This is why I wish people didn't run away from me when their hearts are wounded.  Away from me, that area could eventually heal, but often it becomes hardened as well.  I will take your painful wounds, heal them, and then let them become the source of your strength."
  "Can you really do that with me?"
  "I can if you spend your life trusting me." 
  I wanted to say "yes" to Jesus right away, but I took a few minutes to let his words sink in.  Was I ready to trust again?......I nodded my head yes and said "Jesus, I trust in You!"
  Jesus gave me a big warm smile and said, "See you know more about prayer than you thought.  Giving me your trust is one of my favorite prayers."
  I returned his warm smile and for the first time, in a long time, I felt hope again.  And it felt really good.  

(to be continued)                                                                                                              

I'll Just Follow Your Lead (Chapter 6)

click here to read chapter one

  We paddled towards a small sandy beach tucked between two large rock formations.  As we got close, I offered to jump out and guide the canoe up on shore.  Jumping into the thigh-high water felt refreshing.  I secured the canoe as Jesus found a perfect spot to sit on two rocks covered in shade.  Jesus pulled out two good size deli sandwiches from his bag.  They looked delicious.
  "Wow!  I hope those taste as good as they look!" I exclaimed.
  Jesus handed me one saying, "Wait until you try it.  You're going to love it!  I picked them up at a deli on the east side.  The owners are really great people!"
  I took a big bite.  "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!  It's like all my favorites in one sandwich.  How did you know I liked..."  I didn't bother to finish my sentence when I glanced up and saw Jesus smiling at me.  "Of course, you know what I like."  I managed to mumble before I devoured the sandwich.  I hadn't realized how hungry I was until I took that first bite.  Within minutes my sandwich was gone and then Jesus handed me another deli bag with two soft baked chocolate chip cookies.
  "This is way better than the lunch I had packed for myself!" I confessed.  
  "Good, I'm glad you're enjoying it!  I like to see you happy!  You were starting to look a little stressed out while we were fishing."
  "Ya, I think I was starting to freak out a little.  I'm not really sure what you want me to do.  You asked me earlier today if I meant everything I said when I prayed.  I started thinking about the "Our Father".  I got as far as "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."  I have to admit I have no idea what your Will is for me.  I mean don't get me wrong,  I really want to do your Will, but how do I know what that is?"
  Jesus put his sandwich down and said,  "That's why prayer is so important.  I can't reveal My Will to you if you're not listening.  We need to spend time together.  The more time we spend together the more likely you will be to understand those soft yearnings tugging at your heart and mind to carry out certain actions or decisions."
  "I'm not sure I understand."
  "You need to look inside yourself because that is where I dwell.  I am love and your life should be a reflection of my love."
  "How do I reflect your love?"
  "You reflect my love when you put the needs of others before your own.  When you remember to forgive and to let go of your anger.  I would like you to try to be open to council from those I place in you life, and get to know me by opening scripture.   Live each day trusting me and allowing me to lead, especially when your footing seems unstable and you can't see the way.   And there will be times  I will need you to accept the mystery of suffering so that you can recognize and embrace the sufferings of others.  "Thy will be done" can at times be the hardest and most difficult prayer to say, but it is also the prayer with the sweetest of all rewards."
  I looked at Jesus and I wasn't sure what to say or ask next.  "Jesus, I'm just going to be honest with you.  I'm going to need a few minutes to absorb all this.  Would it be alright if I just sat here with you and thought about all this?"
  Jesus nodded his head and smiled.  "I would love to spend a few quiet moments together.  That's what prayer is all about."

(to be continued)

I'll Just Follow Your Lead (Chapter 5)

click here to read chapter one

  As Jesus and I sat fishing, my thoughts seemed to travel down my fishing pole and deep into the water.  I had no idea how I would encourage others to pray and I had no idea why Jesus would choose me.  Jesus chose me....I still couldn't wrap my head around that.  Why would anyone listen to me?  How many times had I tuned out someone who was talking about God or prayer?  I mean when you are in church of course you can talk about God, but was Jesus asking me to talk to people outside of church?  Who would I approach? Strangers? Neighbors? Co-workers?  I could feel my head shaking back and forth again.  Was I going to become one of those religious fanatics?  Oh, please tell me I'm not going to become the kind of person everyone avoids.  What exactly does Jesus want me to do?
  As I sat there I could feel the perspiration from my head slowly slide down my face.  Was it getting hotter out here or is this whole prayer talk freaking me out?  I wiped the sweat off my forehead with a towel from my backpack and grabbed my water bottle for a quick drink.  "Just relax," I told myself.  I looked over at Jesus.  He seemed perfectly content to just sit in silence and let me think.  The heat didn't seem to be bothering him at all.
  Jesus seemed to sense my gaze and he turned and asked,  "Hey, are you hungry?  There's a little beach not far from here.  We could pull the canoe up on shore and have some lunch.  I brought some sandwiches in my bag."
  "Lunch sounds great right now," I agreed.
  As we started paddling again I said, "I'll just follow your lead."
  Jesus let out a burst of laughter, "You know, I really like the way that sounds!"
  I joined in his laughter and we began paddling towards lunch.

(to be continued.....)

I'll Just Follow Your Lead (Chapter 4)

  Jesus took His fishing pole out of the water and set it in the canoe.  Then I felt His hands wrap firmly around my hands as I held the fishing pole.  "Prayer is so important because prayer is the light of the soul.  Without it, a soul struggles.  Darkness is only attractive when one has never walked in Light.  My Mercy and My love enrich and expound a soul in ways you can not comprehend.  Once a soul glimpses even a small ray of Light, it despises sin and desires the beauty of Light above all else.  With each prayer a soul slowly walks towards Me and begins to understand and perceive Me.  Prayer is the bridge that links creature with Creator.  Without prayer the ravine is steep and dangerous and people will walk the path and never feel the downward slope until they reach the bottom.  As a soul reaches the bottom of the ravine,  My Light is overshadowed by the darkness and a soul will look around and not even realize it is lost.  It will be lost in it's own desires and will no longer yearn for Me."
  "Is there no hope than for a soul that has stopped praying?" I asked.
  "There is always hope.  Patiently, I wait for each and every soul to turn even slightly towards Me so that I may call out their name and pour my grace upon them.  Prayer opens the ears of a soul to hear My Voice.  That is why it is so important to teach a child to pray.  That way if later in life,  a soul begins to walk down the ravine, their ears will still hear My Voice, their eyes will recognize My Light and embrace My Love." Jesus relaxed his hands and then balanced them on the side of the canoe.  For a moment he sat quietly and looked off into the distance.  As we sat in silence a gentle breeze blew through me and I tried to grasp this new incite into prayer.  Jesus then turned his gaze back towards me and said,  "I would like you to do something for me."
  Hesitantly, I asked "What?"
  "I would like you to teach others to pray so that their ears will be reawakened to the sound of My Voice."
  "Me?  Why would you want me?"
  "Because I like fishing with you," revealed Jesus with a grin.
  "There must be thousands of people more qualified than me," I said completely confounded.
  "Perhaps... but I have chosen you," declared Jesus completely confident and comfortable with his choice.
  I actually couldn't stop shaking my head.  It made no sense to me whatsoever. I took my pole out of the water and admitted, "Jesus, I hadn't even realized how little I really knew about prayer until today.  How could I possible teach others?"
  Jesus looked at me and asked,  "When we were fishing and I placed my hand on yours, how did you feel?"
  "It was as if I could feel the strength of your love.  Your words penetrated not just my mind, but it felt as if they were being etched onto my heart."
  "That is how it feels when deaf ears are reopened.  Now that you are listening,  I can share even more with you and what I share with you, I would like you to share with others.  Will you do that?"
  I have to admit I was scared.  "There's no way I could do this by myself.  Will you help me?" I asked.
  "I will never remove the touch of my loving hand."
  I closed my eyes and remembered how I felt when Jesus placed his hand on mine.  My heart had felt like it was on fire and as I drew in deep breaths of air,  my lungs seemed to expand with life itself.  I had no idea what I was getting into, but I suddenly wanted this more than anything else I have ever wanted.  As I opened my eyes to give Jesus my answer, I realized that now my eyes truly were opened.
   "Okay, let's keep fishing then, I have a lot to learn."  We both picked up our poles and threw our lines back into the water.  I looked at Jesus, shook my head, and then started laughing.
  "You realize I am not the smartest, right?"
  Jesus started laughing, too, and said, "I'm sure I have no idea what you are talking about." 

(to be continued)
  

I'll Just Follow Your Lead (Chapter 3)

 click here to read chapter one

  Jesus reached down and picked up the two fishing poles.  They were very simple poles without any fancy casters or lures.  I wondered if we would have any luck with these outdated rods.  After about twenty minutes my suspicions seemed accurate.  I hadn't even had a nibble.
  "This doesn't seem to be working.  Do you want to try a new spot?" I asked Jesus.
  "No, this is really where I think we should be."  Jesus answered confidently.
  "Ok, I just thought we might have more success somewhere else."
  "You know, you put your line in hoping for an instant reward.  I desire you to put your line into the water to discover something more.  People are always so focused on winning and success. I see things a lot differently.  Let me ask you this, what exactly do you think we are fishing for right now?"
  I wiped the sweat of my forehead and shrugged my shoulders, "I thought we were trying to catch a smallmouth bass or walleye.  To be honest, I told you I wasn't very good at fishing."
  Jesus looked amused and said, "You're right.  I do recall you mentioned that. I thought today we be a good day to fish for some truths. Are you interested?"
  "Yeah, but I still don't know if I would be very good at it."
  "Let's just give it a try and see what happens."
  "Alright."  I thought for a minute as I moved my fishing line to a new spot.  "Can I ask you a question then?" 
  "Sure, what's on your mind?"
  "How come you don't always answer my prayers?"
  "You may not realize it, but I have answered all your prayers. My answering prayers is so much more than just fulfilling a request. When I gaze upon you and listen to your prayers I see things that you could never imagine.  I see your good and bad intentions.  I know your thoughts, your motivations, and your inner desires.  I know your fears and your pain.  Sometimes you pray and wish for things that contradict My plan for you.  I don't quantitate success and failure the same way you do.  I am often more concerned with your spiritual and personal growth.  I just need you to trust me.  You could be so much more than you ever imagined if you just let me guide you."
  "I don't understand."
  Jesus nodded his head.  "I know and you are not alone.  Most want their prayers answered immediately and few people recognize the importance of waiting.  I always want what is best for you and sometimes I need you to temper your desires and impatience.  Sometimes I need you to look past your own wants so that you notice the needs of those around you.  Your spiritual life could grow by leaps and bounds during those times of waiting if you would just trust me, continue to pray and stay close to my heart.  Can I tell you why prayer is so important?"

(to be continued)

I'll Just Follow Your Lead (Chapter 2)

Click here to read chapter one

  Together we paddled a strong, steady pace towards deeper water.  As we paddled I let Jesus' questions consume my thoughts.  Do I mean everything I say when I pray?  The answer to that should obviously be "yes", but if I am really being honest, I don't really know the answer to that question.  Embarrassingly, I really don't put as much thought into my prayers as I should.  I know praying is important, but unless I'm going through some kind of crisis, I guess I just say them in order to check them of my "To Do List" each day.  I began to really think about the "Our Father".  "Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name". Well I know for sure I meant that line.  I make a point of never using God's name in vain.  I take that very seriously.  "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."  Honestly, I have no idea what God's Will is for me.  How can I do His Will if I don't even know what it is?
  Just then a strong breeze blew across the lake.  I followed Jesus' lead and I stopped paddling.  The breeze felt so refreshing on my  sun soaked face.  I saw Jesus tilt his head up, close his eyes, and smile.  I did the same.  As the breeze blew through me, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace.  I took a few slow, deep breaths and allowed my body and mind to completely relax.  I heard the softest of sounds around me as the boat gently drifted forward.  It was if I could feel the beauty of life all around me.  If it were possible I would have stayed in that moment for the rest of my days.
  I had no idea how much time had passed when I heard His Voice gently touch my thoughts.  "That was the best praying you have done in a long time."
  His words surprised me.  I opened my eyes and asked Jesus, "What do you mean?  I never said a word."
  "Just placing yourself in My Presence is a beautiful prayer.  You heard My voice this time."
  My smile grew wide as I exclaimed,  "You're right I did!"
  "Ready to do some fishing?"

(to be continued)

I'll Just Follow Your Lead (chapter 1)

  It was early in the morning when I headed towards the lake.  The sun was just beginning to wake up and splashed a pale pink hue to the puffy white clouds.  I was eager to place the canoe into the water and begin my journey.  I put my life jacket on, turned the canoe over and dragged it to the water's edge.  I was just about to push off with my oar when I heard a friendly voice address me.
  "Good morning!  Would you mind if I joined you?"
  I turned to look over my shoulder and then I froze like a statue.  I attempted to speak, but apparently all intelligent words had escaped from my brain.  "Are you.....um....and your talking to me......am I sleeping...or maybe dreaming?  Did I just die?"
  Jesus started laughing.  "You look pretty alive to me.  I was wondering if we could spend some time together today?  I brought my fishing pole."
  "You're not going to fill my canoe with so many fish that I'll have to get help are you?"
  Jesus started laughing again. 
 "You are quite amusing today.  I was really just thinking we could spend some time talking.  I promise not to fill the boat with fish.  So are you up for some company?"
  I nodded and said, "Sure, that would be great. But I have to warn you I'm not very good at fishing."
  "That's ok, I seem to have a real knack for it."  Jesus stepped into the canoe, stepping over my seat, and headed towards the front.  As he sat down he reached over and picked up the other paddle.  "Ready when you are."
  I placed my oar into the water and sand and pushed off.  I instinctively started paddling as the canoe glided across the lake's surface.  Lake Powell is always stunningly beautiful.  I first discovered it on vacation a few years back and it was one of the main reasons I transferred jobs and moved to Arizona.  "So, where would you like to go?  Feel free to set the pace and I'll just follow your lead."
  Jesus shot me a smile as he looked over his shoulder and said, "Wow, do you know how long I have waited to hear you say that?"
  I was taken back a bit by the comment.  "What do you mean?"
  Jesus raised His eyebrows a little and gave a little grin. "Well how often do you let go of the reigns and let me be in control?"
  I gave Jesus a very puzzled look.  What exactly was He saying?  "Well of course you are in control. You are in control of the whole world."
  "Am I?  Think about it for a minute."
  I let out a sigh.  Thinking was the last thing I wanted to do today.   I had the whole day planned out.  I had intended to spend the day relaxing and doing what I wanted....oh, I see where this was going...."Ok I am a bit of a control freak.  I like being in charge.  What's so wrong with having a plan?"
  "I didn't say there was anything wrong with having a plan.  I have a plan, too.  Have you ever considered if they were the same?"
  "How am I supposed to know your plan?"
  "Well you could talk to me about it."
  "I don't mean to be disrespectful, but this is the first time you have ever talked to me."
  Jesus turned completely around and very calmly and gently said, "I talk to you all the time.  This is the first time you listened.  You are a very busy person.  It's hard to talk to someone who isn't listening."
  "I never heard your voice."
  "I know.  You never take the time to listen."
  For a few minutes I just sat there trying to understand.  I prayed every day.  Ever since I was a young boy,  I have prayed those three prayers--I have them memorized.  I recite those prayers every day-
  "I know you recite those prayers every day.  You know them so well you hardly have to put any thought into it.  I would love for you to put some thought into your prayer.  It would be so much more meaningful for both of us."
  "What do you mean?  I thought the Our Father would be one of your favorites."
  "Oh, it definitely is.  Do you mean everything you say in that prayer?"
  "I don't know.  I never really thought about it."
  "That's exactly what I'm talking about.  I don't want to just hear you recite words.  I want the words to be actively living inside your thoughts, feelings and actions.  The Our Father isn't a noun.  It's not the name of a prayer, it is a way of life.  It is actively seeking out your heavenly Father and asking for His help.  When you pray the Our Father ask yourself this- is this really how I lived my life today?"  Jesus turned back around and started paddling again.  "Ready to follow my lead?  I know of a great place not far from here."
  I nodded my head and said, "Yes, I'm ready."  I wondered where he would take me.

(to be continued....)