“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).
A pastor shared this testimony: When I was 15 years old, my church hosted a mountain hike for the community and it was a great turnout. The guides reviewed the rules with everyone, and we agreed to follow our guides and the rules.
But as we walked along the trail, everyone was excited, except for me. I had hiked this mountain with my dad, and knew the trail, so I became bored. I listened to my feelings, and decided to deviate from the trail.
The thought of exploring new territory made me excited, but as the group kept walking, I waited by a tree for five minutes to see if anyone missed me, but no one called my name, so I decided to keep moving forward.
Yes, I knew the rules, if you’re navigating an unknown path, you mark the trees, which will guide you on the return trip. But with overconfidence, I told myself, you don’t need to do that, you have an excellent memory.
After walking for about 10 minutes, I decided to return to the group. Being alone, and no one knowing where you are did not bring the excitement that I anticipated, but when I turned around, I became disoriented.
All the trees were identical and I knew there weren’t any straight paths on a mountain. Still, I reassured myself that I could get back, so I just started walking forward, hoping to see the familiar trail. But after walking for what seemed to be forever, I realized that I was lost.
Immediately I reached for my cell phone, but there was no signal. I can still remember the fear and panic consuming my mind, and my body reacted. My heart began to beat faster and I started hyperventilating, at that point, I knew that if someone didn’t find me, I would die.
Because my heart was filled with pride, I thought, If I call out for help, others will laugh at me, knowing that I was raised in this area, and still got lost, so I suppressed the desire to call out.
But as my vision became blurred from the tears of fear, I realized that I needed God’s help. I prayed, confessing that I had been disobedient, and I begged God to show me how to get back to the trail.
My legs felt weak, but the Holy Spirit reminded me of Jesus’ Promise: “I will never leave you or forsake you;” peace replaced the fear in my mind, and step by step, I slowly moved forward.
The Holy Spirit gave me the courage and wisdom to walk through the unknown. God revealed His Never-Changing Love, Mercy, and Faithfulness: Although at least 20 minutes had passed, when I returned to the trail, I was right behind the crowd of hikers.
No one knew that I was missing, except for my Shepherd, Jesus Christ. I never shared this experience until I became an adult because it was only then that I fully understood the love of Jesus Christ.
The Decision To Follow Jesus Christ
Jesus had just performed the miracle of healing the paralytic: “Now when the multitude saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.” (Matthew 9:8)
Matthew’s Decision To Follow Jesus: “As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” (Matthew 9:9, NIV).
Can you remember the joy and excitement that was in your heart when you said, “Yes, I repent of my sins and accept Jesus as my Savior?”
Do you still have the joy, happiness, and peace that comes from following Jesus?
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV).
If you are navigating through life following your own thoughts and strategies, repent and renew your commitment with Jesus Christ to be His Forever Follower.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:14, 27-28).
To Follow Jesus, Surrender, Repent, Forget the Past, and Keep Moving Forward
Every day, use your faith to pray and ask for God’s guidance before making plans and decisions. Make the commitment to following Jesus on the Narrow Path, wherever He leads you. No, it will not be easy, but Jesus promises:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8, NIV). Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we are following the prideful thoughts of our hearts. And today, we come to You in humility, with repentance, asking for the forgiveness for the sin of disobedience. Although we have been like sheep, who stopped listening to their Shepherd’s Voice, following the Wide Path, You continued to search for us. Thank You for loving and protecting us. Jesus, You are our Shepherd, we love You, and commit to following You with faithful obedience. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Practical Messages For Impractical Times
© 2026 STEPS 2 Success With Spiritual Solutions Ministry
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
You must be logged in to post a comment.