You Lead. We Will Follow
- Debbie Corum
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
Somewhere in my Bible is a page torn years ago from a notepad sent by some charitable organization as a thank you in advance for my hoped-for donation. On it is a list of my most-cherished scriptures, paraphrased by yours truly, and for yours truly, (and for any curious one who continues reading).
I’ve used this page as a bookmark and as scratch paper to jot quick notes. Most importantly, it’s been a guidepost in decision making, and is my lifeline when dangerous waters of legalism demand that I perform outside of God’s grace empowering my heart. [i]
It sometimes takes me a while to find this precious list tucked away between pages, and at times I’ve fought back panicked tears when I’ve misplaced it. But it’s always there with its dogeared corners, frayed edges, and faded ink, patiently waiting to be rediscovered. It reminds me, once again, that my relationship with the Lord isn’t all about me needing to do better, pray harder, reach further, love stronger to catch God’s affections and approval. My relationship with Him—above all things—is a partnership that begins with Love, and is consistently sustained by Love, so I can devotedly follow in love. [ii]
The Lord leads. I follow. Not the other way around.
Whenever the devil tries to flip the script on me to get me off course by merely fulfilling duties, these paraphrased scriptures cause a paradigm shift. They pinpoint flaws in my perspective and realign my heart with God’s truth about why I labor to walk life out in love and faith. I very gladly share them with you:
While I was still a disrespectful sinner, Christ died for me. He became sin so I could become the righteousness of God in Him.
Jesus hung exposed, naked, and vulnerable on the cross so my nakedness could be covered.
Jesus cried out, “Father, why have you forsaken me?” so He could console me in my why’s when I too don’t understand.
Jesus took the punishment I deserved so I could be healed.
Jesus made Himself nothing so I could be someone in Him.
God knew me beforehand so I could know Him here and in the world to come.
God loved me first so I can love Him in return.
God dreamed big so I could dare to dream.
God’s kindness toward me leads me to repent.
He draws me. That’s why I can run after Him.
I am first my Beloved’s before I can claim He is mine.
God’s gentle dealings with me cause me to increase in strength and dignity.
My sufficiency as a carrier of the Gospel is through God’s sufficiency as my source.
Much is required of me because much has been given to me.
God loved me so very much, so I ought also to love others.
Because He gives to me, I can give.
God is merciful to me so I in turn can show mercy.
God forgives me so I can forgive.
Jesus laid down His life for me so I can lay down my life for my brothers and sisters.
I press on to take hold of that (completeness in Christ) for which He already took hold of me.
Any gains by me are insignificant compared to the priceless privilege of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Because I have known Christ and experienced the power of His resurrection, I am able to count it a privilege to partner with Him in His sufferings.
Jesus overcame so I too can overcome.
Jesus, You lead. We will follow. [iii]
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
[i] Philippians 3:8; Romans 3:20; Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16
[ii] Romans 11:36
[iii]1) Romans 5:8; Romans 3:22; Isaiah 53:3–5; 2 Corinthains 5:21 2) Philippians 2:6–8; 1 Corinthians 11:24 3) Matthew 27:46 4) Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24 5) Philippians 2:7 6) Ephesians 1:4; Psalm 139:13–18; Hebrews 2:5 Amp. 7) 1 John 4:10, 19; John 3:16 8) Jeremiah 29:119) Romans 2:4 10) Song of Solomon 1:4 11) Song of Solomon 6:3 12) Psalm 18:32–42; Psalm 144:1 13) 2 Corinthians 3:5 14) Luke 12:48 15) 1 John 4:11; John 15:12 16) Luke 3:11; 2 Corinthians 9:8–11 17) Luke 6:36; Ephesians 2:4–7 18) Ephesians 4:32 19) 1 John 3:16–18 20) Philippians 3:12 21) Philippians 3:7–8 22) Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13; Acts 5:41; 2 Corinthians 4:10–11; Romans 6:5 23) John 16:33; 1 John 5:4–5
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