His Way ”Follow Me” When a challenge appears to block resolution or progress, discovering a way out, through, or around it can bring tremendous relief and hope. No matter how promising that way may be, however, it still requires following. Especially when it is unfamiliar or doesn’t seem to make sense, it must be trusted and followed for it to be effective. It does no good to be shown the way to better health through diet and exercise if it is never followed. Clear instructions for assembling furniture or toys from bags of bolts, nuts, and unfamiliar pieces are of little benefit if they are discarded in favor of what merely seems right. A way can make all the difference—but only when it is followed. In our new life in Christ, we have been given the Way, the Truth, and the Life. For every mountain, chasm, obstacle, or hindrance, Jesus is the Way through and beyond it into victory and triumph. Yet, though He is the Way that will never fail, following where He leads is still required. Insisting upon what seems right to us can keep us from experiencing what His way provides. Throughout Scripture, God’s way often looked unusual. Washing in a muddy river, putting mud on blind eyes, marching around walls, stretching out a rod, or simply speaking a word could become the way to deliverance, healing, and victory—not because there was power in the method itself, but because obedience was following the way God had revealed. This is why simply repeating what someone else has done may produce nothing more than a method without faith. What was obedience for them may become imitation for us if it is separated from His leading. Faith is not merely discovering what worked before; it is looking unto Jesus and responding to what He is revealing now. As we look unto Him alone, what is necessary for victory becomes our own personal way discovered in His presence. It may resemble something He has done before, or it may be completely unique and outside every established method. It may even seem unreasonable or impossible by natural understanding. Yet when Jesus is the One leading, He will make a way where no way could otherwise be found. He is the Way—but the Way must still be followed. Notes Light reveals the Way John 8:12 (NLT) 12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” Direction comes from Him Psalms 32:8 (NKJV) 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. That direction will include new and never-before-imagined ways Isaiah 43:16-19 (NKJV) 16 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters, 17 Who brings forth the chariot and horse, The army and the power (They shall lie down together, they shall not rise; They are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick): 18 "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. Following Him means going through water and fire Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV) 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. His way will require submission to His higher thoughts/ways. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. Out of temptation - a way is provided in running to Him and away from the place of sin’s calling. 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 (NKJV) 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. Delivered by an angel Acts 12:10 (NKJV) 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. By drawing near to Him, His way is discovered and enabled. Hebrews 10:19-22 (NKJV) 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. “Follow Me” Through Around Over Requires: Discovery in Him Faith Movement/obedience Tenacity When His way is acted on there is release of grace. 2 Kings 5:9-10 (NKJV) 9 Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha's house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” With every obstacle and temptation there is an His Way opportunity! With the showing of the way, there’s a breaking of restraints in following Him. Psalms 107:14 (NKJV) 14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces. Blind man - mud Widow - empty jars Taxes - fish Hungry - multiplication Sick - virtue, declaration Lack - give What to say - open mouth Well directed passion - lay down life Imparting goodness - obedience Ministering His life means following His way. Luke 4:18-19 (NLT) 18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19 and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” In following Him, there is proving His way with His benefits and reward. Isaiah 48:17 (NKJV) 17 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.