Trust the Good Shepherd. By Laura Carson.

 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 NKJV

Living in a rural part of northern California is such a blessing for me. I am grateful for the lush green fields and farm animals I have seen this spring.

On a ride recently we had to stop for nearly 15 minutes due to some road construction. I wasn’t the driver, so I was happy to avail myself of the view near us. A huge green pasture was to my right. Near the center of the field was a portion of an old wrought iron gate. There were three sheep near the iron gate, as if willing it to open. The irony is that there was no fence on either side of the gate. It stands alone. There is nothing to stop the livestock from stepping past it.  A fourth sheep was peeking out around the edge of the gate, its eyes wide. 

I can see myself in every one of those sheep. In the past I’ve allowed barriers of my own making to bar my way forward. Insecurities and fears threatened my well-being. Unseen enemies lurked, ready to topple my dreams, leaving me frozen in place. It didn’t matter that they resided solely in my imagination. 

But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, reminds me to follow Him.

 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.”  ~ John 10:11 NKJV

When I maintain my trust in God through prayer and reading the Bible daily, God leads me to rest in green pastures (Psalm 23:2). Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4c). 

I am safe. I am loved. And like the fourth sheep hopefully stepping past the closed gate.

 Because of Jesus, I am free indeed.

If you find yourself like the sheep that remain behind the gate, make a list of barriers you face, both real and self-created. In prayer hand each one over to the Good Shepherd and acknowledge your freedom in Him.

 Be blessed in your freedom. 

I encourage you to read the 23rd Psalm.