Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 

In Psalm 68, we are told that God daily loads us with benefits! God’s leading is up there as one of the big benefits of being a born again child of God and having the Spirit of God inside you. It has taken a huge weight off my back and put it into God’s hands. Now, He is responsible for where I go and what I do with my life. 

There aren’t always street signs along the way to show you which way to turn. Sometimes there are dead ends and traffic jams. Sometimes we turn down the wrong road and get into accidents, but wouldn’t it be great if you had someone directing you? Someone you could follow. Someone you could trust that wherever or whatever you followed him into, it was always for your good. 

God says in Romans 8:28 that all things work for the good, to them that love God and are called according to his purpose. By the way, that good means 110% profit in your favor. Pretty good don’t you think? 

It’s not an accident that this verse is just below Rom 8:14, which talks about how the Spirit of God leads us. Does the Spirit of God lead you? Do you let God order your steps on what Church to go to, whom to marry, what career to go into etc.? Will you obey his will for your life? 

In Gen 37, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. It seemed like things were going pretty bad for Joseph, but he worked his way up. He found favor in the eyes of Potiphar and became the head over his house until the master’s wife tried to make a pass at Joseph. The short end of the story — he refused. God came first. He ran out of the room. She lied. Blamed Joseph. He got put in jail. Joseph sat and waited. Easy to get discouraged. Easy to become bitter, but remember that God orders our steps. 

I believe Joseph remembered that. Joseph believed that God had a purpose for his life. God wasn’t finished with him yet. Just like God isn’t finished with you yet. God wants you to let him lead you and order your steps. He wants to do a great and exciting work in your life. I don’t know if you will ever become a prince, but I can tell you the safest and most joyous place to be is in the center of God’s will. 

Being in the right place is half the battle. Well, Joseph got out of jail after he interpreted the Pharaoh’s dream and became the second most powerful ruler over all Egypt. God used him to save many from the famine that came. 

He got a chance to see his brothers again. They were afraid that Joseph was going to kill them. He could. He had the power but one sentence says it all: Gen 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good. 

Will you follow Him?

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Matthew Spoonhour is pastor of First Baptist Church, Monroe.