Time for me to step out on the water
Time for me to just loosen my hold
And it’s time for me to leave here all that I hope for
Could You take me where I need to go

I am waiting for Your love
I am reaching for Your touch
Lost without You, God, reach down
I need You now, I need You now

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God was reminding me this weekend about His provision and the nature of faith. Back in the days of wandering in the desert, the Israelites saw God in the form of a cloud pillar during the day, and a pillar of fire at night. God led the Israelites around in this fashion, always going in front of them to prepare the way.

I was reminded of this truth, as I reflected on the changing seasons of my life. When it was time for me to begin college, God prepared in advance the Baptist Student Union fellowship for me, that I would find a family of believers among those involved there, as well as challenging teaching that would spur my growth in knowledge of God. He prepared my heart in advance, having built into my life the principles of hard work, perseverance, faithfulness, and grounding in the Word of God so that I would not be led astray by empty philosophy. By the time I actually went to college, even though I didn’t feel ready at times, I really was ready.

The same thing happened when I graduated college and began transitioning into my post-collegiate life in medical school. While I was in college, God refined the foundation laid in my life by the faithfulness of my parents, and taught me passion and agape love in living like Christ. He gave me confidence in Him, and showed me that I must lead those who follow after me, just as I follow those who came before me. God led me to serve at Project Impact during the summer following graduation, where He distilled my essence and revealed to me all of these things that He has worked into my life. By the time I needed to start medical school, I realized that God had prepared my life in advance for this next season.

Despite all of these wonderful confirmations of His provision in my life, sometimes I still question the nature of God’s leading. In fact, as I was driving back to Norman this weekend from Tulsa, I received a strong impression to do something important. Instead of surrendering my pride and obeying, I hesitated. It made me realize that no matter how far God has taken me, I still need Him for every single moment. I’m so grateful that He goes before me, and that there is grace to carry me through it all!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
- Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Need You Now
Chris Tomlin and Jack Parker
© 2001 worshiptogether.com Songs