He Goes On Ahead...

Streams in the Desert ~ January 14th Devotional

Written by L.B. Cowman

“When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them.” ~ John 10:4

This is intensely difficult work for Him and us - it is difficult for us to go, but equally difficult for Him to cause us pain. Yet it must be done. It would not be in our best interest to always remain in one happy and comfortable location. Therefore He moves us forward. The shepherd leaves the fold so the sheep will move on to the vitalizing mountain slopes. In the same way, laborers must be driven out into the harvest, or else the golden grain would spoil.

But take heart! It could never be better to stay once He determines otherwise; if the loving hand of our Lord moves us forward, it must be best. Forward, in His name, to green pastures, quiet waters, and mountain heights! (See Psalm 23:2) “He goes on ahead of [us].” So whatever awaits us is encountered first by Him, and the eye of faith can always discern His majestic presence out in front. When His presence cannot be seen, it is dangerous to move ahead. Comfort your heart with the fact that the Savior has Himself experienced all trials He asks you to endure; He would not ask you to pass through them unless He was sure that the paths were not too difficult or strenuous for you.

This is the blessed life - not anxious to see far down the road nor overly concerned about the next step, not eager to choose the path nor weighted down with the heavy responsibilities of the future, but quietly following the Shepherd, one step at a time.

The oriental shepherd always walked ahead of his sheep. He was always out in front. Any attack upon the sheep had to take him into account first. Now God is out in front. He is in our tomorrows, and it is tomorrow that fills people with fear. Yet God is already there. All the tomorrows of our life have to pass through Him before that can get to us. F.B. Meyer

God is in every tomorrow, Therefore I live for today,

Certain of finding at sunrise, Guidance and strength for my way;

Power for each moment of weakness, Hope for each moment of pain,

Comfort for every sorrow, Sunshine and joy after rain.

This devotional was given to me by a dear friend on our mission trip to DR Congo in January 2010. The team was getting ready to return to the States and I was continuing on to another location in eastern Congo. It was a very last minute decision to meet Dr. Celestin Musekura with ALARM in Goma, Congo and spend an additional week with the organization in order to learn more about their mission and focus for serving in East Africa. This was the beginning of the wonderful opportunity to serve with ALARM and my faith walk in Africa.

While in Beni, I was still uncertain as to how I was going to travel from Beni to Butembo (2 hour drive in eastern Congo) in order to catch my flight to Goma. I was trusting in God to provide, which was being pushed to the final hour. It was Friday morning when Kasey gave me this devotional to read. The team was leaving the next morning and I was to stay on in Beni for 2 additional nights (not yet knowing where I would be staying) and then traveling to Butembo for the flight (which was still undecided as to how I would be traveling there). Eastern Congo is known for conflict and being an unstable environment. Needless to say, I was walking in faith but time was getting very limited. I was beginning to feel a bit anxious and concerned, and that is when this devotional was given to me...perfect timing! Yes, He goes on ahead of us!!!

After reading this devotional and releasing some suppressed emotion, I came full circle back to how BIG our God is. I found security and peace in these words and the verse John 10:4. After breakfast, we as a group headed to the American missionaries‘ home (a group of 7 individuals serving at UCBC - the Bilingual Christian University in Beni, Congo). We had planned to take a pleasant and scenic walk through the bush to the University. This would be our last visit to the University on this trip. While at their home, the missionaries on the ground offered me a place to stay the 2 extra nights I would be in Beni. Yes, a safe haven to rest before the next portion of the trip. Later, I see that having had this time to spend with the missionaries was a part of the bigger plan. For they conveyed their feelings, the ups and downs, the hardships and rewards, the sacrifices and the benefits. I was able to get a good feel for life on the field, a first-hand experience for what might be waiting ahead. Preparation for the future in a very subtle and unplanned manner.

Just a few hours later when we had reached the University for our final visit, a Congolese man serving with UCBC came up to me and out of the clear blue asked how I was getting to Butembo. Telling him I did not know and could he put me in contact with a driver, he then offered to personally escort me on the 2 hour drive to make sure the travel was smooth and safe. Yes, all provisions were covered and in a manner that far exceeded my expectations. Much bigger and better than I could have asked for or imagined!

I am still learning to not put restrictions around the enormity of God’s work and power. At times, I know I still put Him in a box, then I am shown His greatness. Each time learning and realizing more and more how Great He Is!!! This is a devotional that continues to encourage me to move forward, trust in the Lord and have faith that He goes before us! It is so very true and provides me so much comfort and peace!!! I hope it does for you too! Baraka!