Proverbs 3:5-6, New International Version

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5, NIV) How true this is! But do those who say they believe actually live it out?

This isn’t meant as a judgment against anyone who struggles to follow it — rather, it’s the truth that the Lord Jesus is asking you and me to embrace: a hope and a future, so we can live a victorious life. His plan for us is not to bring harm or hurt, even when we stumble in our human weakness. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Since the time I was blessed to know Jesus, I have witnessed many times when Christians rely on their own common sense, knowledge, and experience instead of relying on Him. They seek out human opinions, professional advice, and popular ideas — rather than praying and waiting for the Lord’s answer and guidance.

I myself, by the grace of God, have experienced His rescue and redemption into a new life, through the privilege He has given me. It’s a privilege to know His Word and to understand it. He speaks, He reveals, and He gives understanding through His Spirit, who works in and through me. I trust Him, and I say, “Thank You, Jesus and Holy Spirit!” Time after time, situation after situation, He never stops taking the lead in my life. Just like a shepherd leads his sheep, Jesus, the Great Shepherd, leads me. I am His sheep!

When a good shepherd leads his sheep out of the pen, his goal is to bring them to a good field where they can eat well and stay safe from wolves. He knows where to go, the right time to go, and how to keep them within a safe range. Sheep (and by nature, they are simple creatures) never try to reason with or second-guess their shepherd. They simply follow. Even though they are simple, they know their shepherd’s voice.

So if a sheep doesn’t listen, it’s not because it didn’t hear — it’s because it chose not to follow. That could be due to rebellion, strong will, or even worse– pride. Pride is the opposite of what the Lord Jesus showed us, when He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” Pride says, “I know better!”

We sometimes say, “God, this doesn’t make sense to me!” “God, this doesn’t sound right — you know, so-and-so said…” But as Christ-followers, when God gives you an answer, you don’t need to Google it! God sees the whole picture like no one else can.

His sheep recognize His voice, and the Spirit within us recognizes His work! Instead of doubting God’s way or questioning your own hearing, seek Him, read His Word, and wait for His confirmation with peace. Sometimes, all it takes is simple, childlike faith.

“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27, BSB)“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:16, BSB)

Trust in the Father and follow the Lord — both His children and His sheep!