Streams in the Desert

Devotional For

July 16

      Who is Leading?
      
      "O Lord , I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23).
      
      "Lead me in a plain path" (Ps. 27:14).
      
      Many people want to direct God, instead of
      resigning themselves to be directed by Him; to
      show Him a way, instead of passively following
      where He leads. --Madame Guyon
      
      I said: "Let me walk in the field";
      God said: 'Nay, walk in the town";
      I said: "There are no flowers there";
      He said: "No flowers, but a crown."
      
      I said: "But the sky is black,
      There is nothing but noise and din";
      But He wept as He sent me back,
      "There is more," He said, "there is sin
      
      I said: "But the air is thick,
      And fogs are veiling the sun";
      He answered: "Yet souls are sick,
      And souls in the dark undone."
      
      I said: "I shall miss the light,
      And friends will miss me, they say";
      He answered me, "Choose tonight,
      If I am to miss you, or they."
      
      I pleaded for time to be given;
      He said: "Is it hard to decide?
      It will not seem hard in Heaven
      To have, followed the steps of your Guide."
      
      I cast one look at the fields,
      Then set my face to the town;
      He said: "My child, do you yield?
      Will you leave the flowers for the crown?"
      
      Then into His hand went mine,
      And into my heart came He;
      And I walk in a light Divine,
      The path I had feared to see.
      --George MacDonald