Follow

A common question asked during a job interview is, “Are you a leader or a follower?”  If you were ever asked that, do you remember what your answer was?  And if you had to answer that question again now, would your reply be different?  To describe ourselves as followers may seem, to some, to be a weakness, but it depends on what you and I are following.  Is it a dream, or maybe it is someone or something about which we feel strongly?  Throughout our lives we’ve most likely experienced following good “things” and, looking back, maybe some not so good.  One of my favorite songs that stirs my soul is “I will follow Him”, sung in the movie “Sister Act” with Whoopie Goldberg.  The most moving and beautiful rendition though is a live performance by Andre Rieu, a Dutch violinist and conductor.   Maybe you could stop for a moment and listen to the words.  My favorite part that moves me most is the very beginning of the performance before the singers ramp up the beat.  And then come back to reading God’s special “word of the week”, follow.  You can find and listen on YouTube or click on my link below.

I should start my day everyday by listening to this song.  “I will follow him.  Follow him wherever he may go; and near him I always will be.  For nothing can keep me away.  He is my destiny.”  So, if you ask me now, am I a leader or a follower, my answer would be a “follower.”  Not only does the song stir my soul, but the words alone bring comfort and strength.  I suddenly realize that Jesus calls each of us individually to both lead and follow all throughout of our lives.  By choosing to follow Him, it has taken us, and will continue to take us, through a lifetime of experiences.  You and I must put our trust in Him when being called to lead when it is necessary and to humble ourselves (leave our ego behind) to remember we are following Him.  I pray that you will keep this song nearby this week (and in the future) and listen to it when you feel the need.  Let the words “follow” stir your soul and confirm why you are following our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  For “there isn’t an ocean too deep, a mountain so high it can keep, keep me away – away from his love.”

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”  John 10:27