With the Shepherd

In our previous blog we looked at Jesus and His being our Shepherd. There are so many benefits that come with being led by God but this week we will look at those of love and comfort when living with the Shepherd.
Having Jesus as our Shepherd means following His ways in everything that we do – weather in relationship or career, we do everything according to His standards (He gives us the grace for this) and by the leading of the Holy Spirit – this is His wisdom.
In journeying with Jesus we are assured of our safety and victory. The things that would otherwise come against us Jesus defeats for us and because we are with Him, He shares this victory with us then calls us more than conquerors.
"Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side." Psalm 97:3 (NIV)
"Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain." Isaiah 40:4 (NIV)
If we allow ourselves to be led by God then we must embrace this love and find rest in comfort. Knowing that nothing that comes against us can defeat us, no matter how much the devil tries to intimidate us with it. Our Shepherd goes ahead of us, He makes clear every path and removes every force of evil. We should not be afraid, we should live brave. Nothing can defeat us.
"Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence." Psalm 91:3 (NIV)
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Not only has He defeated all evil and removed all danger, He also leads us away from it. His discipline keeps me on the narrow path, a path of life. He has assessed all fields therefore knows which is best for us. We are vulnerable, He is strong. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. He is our Defender.
How should we respond then to this love?
In rest so we can enjoy peace in God’s pen – under His rule. Then we will be a people of peace within ourselves and to those around us, governed by His Spirit of love.
Once we are found by Him we should keep following His trail. In His trail is life. He is skilled at taking care of the sheep, He is generous in His love for them (us). If you want life, if you want provision, if you want health, follow the trail of the Shepherd.
If you have not opened the door to Him, He is still asking to be let in by you. He loves you and knows what you are up against. He desires to help you but He cannot if you do not let Him. Accept Him as Lord to lead you and Saviour to protect you by confessing that He is the Son of God who is Lord. He died and rose from the dead to save all of us; believe this and you will be saved.