Deuteronomy 31:8 - He Goes Before You
Step 1: Pray. Select.
As I sat down to pray, I wasn’t sure where the Holy Spirit was guiding me this morning. One thing was sure: he wanted to make it very clear that the Lord is with me and has already gone before me. He has already seen my beginning and my end.
I began to search for scripture that spoke about God’s guidance along our life path, and I was led to Deuteronomy 31:8. This is where I decided to start my journey today, friends, so I moved on to Step 2.
Step 2: Write. Read. Circle
After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:
And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.
Step 3: Re-Write
With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here are the personalized sentence(s) that came alive in my heart.
Jennifer, He is who goes before you; do not fear.
If you are doing this alongside me today, add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.
Step 4: Visualize
Today, the Holy Spirit brought a picture or painting to my remembrance that I had saved on my computer in 2020. The POV was in first-person perspective, with Jesus walking ahead along a hiking path. The image made you feel just an arm’s distance away from him as he walked in front, reaching back with his hand as if to say, “Come along now, don't be afraid. I have already been down the path ahead, and I know where it will lead you.” His face bears a slight smile, and he radiates peace.
The Holy Spirit prompts me to recall how I felt in that moment in 2020 when I viewed that image. Especially since I was being forced to make many changes in my life, as my reality was turned entirely upside down. I felt damaged, tired, and like I couldn't take one more step, and definitely couldn't take any more blows or traumatic hits or surprises. I remember the peace I felt knowing Jesus went before me, and if I could muster up a little more strength to keep going, walking down the path, he had a safe place in mind for me ahead.
The Holy Spirit tells me that Jesus stopped and let you rest for a while, but the picture you saw then was meant not only for that time but for this time right now. Jesus is calling you now, and it is time to get up and keep walking. You haven't arrived yet. There is more. If he has gone before you, then what or who can be against you?
I have a question in my mind, so I proceed to Step 5.
Step 5: Ask. Seek
The requests/questions that came to mind are:
Holy Spirit, in the past, I was completely blindsided on my path. How do I know this won’t happen again?
Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive
Here is the answer I received:
”True, you were blindsided, but not by me. You were blindsided by the choices you made, which I was not in. You were seeking to be fulfilled by others and not me. You knew I was in control but did not surrender to that belief. You fell victim to fear and depended on what you could see versus what was still to be seen. But now you move because I asked you to move and follow me into the unseen. I will deliver on my promises over your life. I will give you houses you haven't built and unlock doors that don't exist yet, but through me, they will open along your path in their due time. Keep surrendering. Keep your eyes on me. I will guide you through the wilderness to a life far beyond your wildest dreams.”
Step 7: Pray. Confirm
Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Thank you for reminding me that you have already gone ahead of me and there are great things still to come.
Thank you for pulling me out of my situations before and rescuing me from my ignorance, reminding me that you have the power to make all things new again. I will not look to my right or my left and continue to muster up strength and courage to follow you wherever you lead since you have good plans for me to prosper and not harm me. Plans to give me hope and a future. I eagerly await you taking me into the great unknown, where you rule and have dominion over my life so I can live my best life yet.
In Jesus' mighty name, I pray and seal this prayer with the blood of Jesus - Amen.
Step 8: Share. Testify
If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we would love to hear how God works in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.
Conclusion:
Friends, praise God for going ahead of us and making our crooked paths straight.
He is the one who goes before us, so do not fear! He is with us.
If you can hardly stand up or walk today, muster up the strength through Christ Jesus to keep going. He has good things waiting for you just ahead.
God bless you. See you soon!
