As a kid, I didn’t always follow directions. As a spouse, I struggle to follow my partner in dancing (and many other things). As a student, I didn’t always follow the way of the teacher. As a parent, I don’t always follow the crowd.
Face it. We like to do things our own way.
Yet, Jesus is very clear when he says to us, “Deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow me.”
Easier said than done, I say.
But I think we can begin to follow hard after God by taking two steps.
The first step is to walk in his way. 
Usually, when I’m going the way I shouldn’t, I’m acutely aware of it.
We all have a “God compass” inside of us…but we choose to ignore it.
Interestingly, even the Israelites wanted to choose going back to slavery in Egypt as opposed to following God’s way when they were pressed up against the Red Sea with their oppressors in hot pursuit. The good news for them was that God made a clear way (thru the Red Sea!) and there was a wall of water on their right and on their left, and the whole Sea became a perfect path to follow toward God’s promises for their future.
A favorite verse of mine is:
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way;walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
Will you choose to walk in God’s way?
The second step toward following hard after God is to allow him to shape you for his purposes.
This means letting go of our own agenda -and being flexible enough to follow God’s plans. Think of all the gifts, talents and abilities you possess. Even the experiences you’ve had are no accident – good, bad or indifferent.
God chose Moses at 80 years old to lead His people – precisely because of his previous experiences and abilities. Even in spite of them.
It was no accident that Moses was raised as Pharoah’s son and later would spend a huge amount of time in the Royal Court. Nor was his time living in exile (think preparation for more time in the desert.) And even though he wasn’t a gifted public speaker, God still used him to reach the masses when he delivered the 10 Commandments, and lead the vast Israelite population for many years.
Moses didn’t change his characteristics or abilities, God just molded them till they were suited to His purposes. Not Moses’ comfort zone.
Will you let God shape your talents for Him?
We don’t have to be daunted by the words, “Come Follow Me”.
We just have to begin with 2 steps.
How might you choose to walk in God’s ways today? How might you let him shape your current gifts for his Kingdom?
(*This post was originally published in Oct. 2011)