Your Shepherd has gone before you

^{by: Peg Councill}

⁶ The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. (1 John 2:6)

“Your Shepherd has gone before you” is something I have said on many an occasion to family members and friends. This weekend I had opportunity to apply those words to myself.

On Saturday, while having company, I began to experience severe abdominal pain and lightheadedness which caused my husband to dial 911. While they were on their way, I took medication my doctor had prescribed for this situation and when the EMTs took my vital signs all seemed a little better so I elected to not go to the Emergency Room.
My reason was I had been asked to say a few words of tribute at the Sunday service for some friends who were moving.
Saturday night was a restless one of fretting about how I would be the next day. I woke up very anxious and questioning whether I should go or not.
My habit for my Quiet Time is to start with the next hymn in my hymnal, which for that day was “Good King Wenceslas” about the King and his servant going to help others.
In Verse 4 the servant says “Sire. fails my heart. I know not how;
I can go no longer”.
The King replies “Mark my footsteps, my good page, tread now in them boldly”
This reminded me that My Shepherd had already gone before me, into the morning, so I determined I also would:
“Mark His Footsteps and tread now in them boldly”.
Still feeling anxious and a little lightheaded, my husband and I went to church where we asked for prayer.
The Lord provided peace and strength so I was able to, “Mark His Footsteps and tread in them boldly” up to the stage. I was able to pay tribute to our friends, remembering that indeed My Shepherd had gone before me.