The month of ministry in Malaysia was unlike any other month this year. For three weeks, I had the privilege of living and working at St. Nicholas’ Home – a home for people who are blind.
On one weekend, I had the opportunity to be an escort for Salvye (pronounced Sal-vee). Salvye is a middle-aged woman who recently became blind in the past year after undergoing multiple unsuccessful surgeries attempting to correct her vision.
Salvye and a dozen other St. Nicholas’ Home residents who are blind joined in Penang’s annual Peace Run as walking participants.
I was her escort.
As she held onto my arm and we began walking the course around the park, I immediately realized how important attentiveness and clear communication would be for her.
She relied on me for the smallest things that people with sight don’t even think about – like stepping down from the sidewalk or being cautious of uneven pavement. Salvye depended on me for guiding every step she took and leading her in the right direction.
Being Salvye’s escort got me to thinking.
This is how our spiritual walk with God should be. We should depend on Him as the escort of our lives – not taking one step before first receiving His counsel and direction.
Imagine how many trips and toe stumps we would forfeit simply by waiting on His lead.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT
I sometimes think about how different my life would be if I had prayed AND waited to hear from God when taking next steps. Would I have spent seven years pursuing higher education? Would I have dated that guy? Would I have made that costly purchase?
I don't regret any of the decisions I have made because I know that all of my choices have led me where I am today. But in this season of my walk with God, I am conditioning myself to seek Him first in all things concerning my life.
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 NLT
By the end of the walk, Salvye and I crossed the finish line together. She held onto my arm the entire time and I had the pleasure of seeing her face light up when I told her we made it to the end.
And so it will be when we cross life's finish line with God as our escort!
"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24
Are you allowing God to be the escort of your life?
