This past weekend I got to hang out with several teachers who are leading short term mission trips this school year. The prayer is: “Guide us, Lord, as we take these young people to serve others in Jesus’ name.” A couple of nights ago, I got to be with parents of junior high students who are raising children in a dangerous world. The prayer is: “Guide us, Lord, as you have entrusted us with these precious children.” I know of a senior in college who is in the midst of making important career decisions as he prepares to graduate. The prayer is: “Guide me, Lord, in the way you want me to go. I need you to make things clear.” I have a good friend who has recently learned of health issues that will impact him and his family in unknown ways. The prayer is: “Guide us, Lord, down this uncertain path. Protect us from fear and harm. May you receive glory in our lives.”
It helps to hear the testimonies of those who have gone before. The mission leader who tells of God’s faithfulness encourages the one who has never led. Parents whose children are grown can encourage parents who are in the midst of the challenge. A man or woman who tells of God’s providential hand in bringing fulfilling work can bless the young person who wonders if he’ll ever find a job. The believer who has walked through the valley can say with confidence, “Fear no evil for God is with you. His rod and staff will comfort you and, by faith, you will bring him glory.”
Jesus promised an even greater blessing than the encouragement of brothers and sisters. “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him or knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you… When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify… But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you… But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking what is mine and making it known to you.” (See John 14-16)
During the mid 1700′s, a bright young Welshman was planning a career in medicine. One Sunday morning at church, the Lord moved so mightily in his heart that William Williams knew he needed to go a whole new direction. For forty-three years the Holy Spirit gave this man songs, poems, and sermons that went throughout Wales as God brought a mighty revival to the land. Here’s one of his songs that is still a great prayer: “Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah”
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more;
Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more.Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing waters flow;
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar, lead me all my journey through;
Strong Deliverer, be Thou still my strength and shield;
Strong Deliverer, be Thou still my strength and shield.When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside;
Bear me through the swelling current, land me safe on Canaan’s side;
Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee;
Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee.
“No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:3-5