No Leash Required

Growing Daily

My dog, Kodi, loves going for walks on the wooded trails near our home. She stays right in front of me without a leash. But the moment we come to a fork in the trail, she stops. Her neck stretches up, her ears perk, and she looks back at me. She knows a choice needs to be made. Sometimes, she’ll take a few tentative steps down one path. If it’s not the direction I’m headed, she quickly returns and follows the path I’ve chosen.

What a great picture of how God guides us.

We know not to run ahead of God’s plan, but it’s okay to take a few steps when we’re unsure. Exploration isn’t rebellion. Cautious movement isn’t a lack of faith. My dad used to say, “A great way to know where God wants you is to just start getting involved.” He would often add, “It’s hard to steer a parked car.” Sometimes clarity comes only after we start moving.

We see this in Acts 16. Paul and his companions were already on their way, traveling to spread the gospel, when the Holy Spirit redirected them. It was only after they were in motion that God revealed their next steps.

Take a small step of faith today. God will “guide you along the best pathway for your life” (Psalm 32:8).

- Ron Reid