I’ll Go Ahead of You

Many years ago, in fact 52 years ago!, when Steve and I were much younger, we left our home in Cincinnati, Ohio to go to Louisville, Kentucky to the Seminary to study for ministry.

Steve was 33, and had committed himself, his life and his family to what people always called, “Christian service.” We had already been in Christian service for a long time, but God was calling us to go in a new direction. I had a lot more courage then, I think.

For instance, I don’t like to drive. I believe that even if I were Amish, I wouldn’t like to drive a horse.

We had people on the Cincinnati side to help us load our possessions, but we knew nobody in Louisville to help us UNLOAD them! On top of that, I had to drive!!!

Steve had a bright blue car, and I followed in mine. When I expressed my fear of getting lost, he said, “We’ll, don’t worry I’ll stay ahead of you. Just follow me.”

Remember the stories about Jehu in the Old Testament, the chariot driver? He was known for speed. He was the wild driver of the king. He had nothing on Steve! Additionally, the interstate between the two cities is very busy. At times, Steve got far ahead of me.

God was with me as He has always been. We arrived safely at our destination. And people were there to help us. When they got up that morning, they had no idea we were arriving, but when we got there, we were surrounded by willing helpers. God provided for all of our needs.

Now at this stage of my life, I look back at my youth, and I rejoice in all of the trouble, turmoil, upheaval, change and heartache that we have endured. Why? How? Because through all of it, the one constant in my life has been the living presence of God. He taught me things because of the troubles that I never would have known otherwise. He tells us, “Commit your way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever” (Psalm 37).

See why I love the Psalms?

I still don’t like to drive, though I still do it. And I still don’t like to move.

When people ask me now, “What are you going to do with the rest of your life?” I can truthfully say, “I don’t know.” Whatever it is, it will be good because God will be with me. He’s already ahead of me. And He’ll do as He has always done, fulfill my every dream and bless me.

Steve’s words have come back to me many times since those long ago days, and I’m reminded of them again, “Keep your eyes on me, and I’ll stay ahead of you.” Again, he has gone ahead of me.

My Lord says similar words to me. He’s the same as He was then—faithful to me, and good, loving, kind, my Rock, my fortress, and my shelter from life’s storms.