Walk As God Leads
Sharon TownsendPastor of Grace AssemblyChesterfield, Michigan
“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life.” II Corinthians 1:8
Paul had not wanted the saints to be ignorant concerning the trouble that came to him when he was in Asia. The word “trouble” means a narrow place that hems one in; especially when feeling there is no escape. There had been a time in Paul’s ministry where he had been forbidden by the Holy Ghost to go into Asia so Paul did not go at that time.
If Paul had gone to Asia when God had told him not to, he would not have had to face the opposition from Satan that we see mentioned here in verse 8. Paul eventually did go into Asia at the right time and it is at that time he was faced with “trouble.”
Just because our feet are going in the direction the Lord leads, does not mean there isn’t going to be opposition. Oftentimes opposition and trouble come because one IS walking the way the Lord leads. I want to share a few thoughts, all seem to deal with “feet.”
Jesus washes the disciples feet in John 13:1-17, remember it was before the cross. Peter did not want him to wash his feet and Jesus let him know it was necessary. Then Peter said, if that’s the case then wash all of me. Jesus let him know, he was already clean, only his feet needed cleansing.
Usually feet were washed after they got dirty. They were in the house and probably had them washed before they entered the house which, I believe, was the custom. Here Jesus washes Peter’s feet just before he went to the cross. Just before Peter denied him. Jesus was preparing him for what lay ahead.
We look at Peter’s denial of Jesus as a great failure. It wasn’t. That experience cause Peter to know that he could not put his trust in self; but he could trust Jesus. His focus afterwards, is off himself and on Jesus. That is victory.
We know, from scripture that we are cleansed through the washing of water by the word. It is the Word that cleans our feet. It is the Word that prepares us for what lay ahead. This portion of scripture is not about salvation. It is about our walk.
Verse 14, “If I then, your LORD and Master have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
So, how is this done? We encourage or build each other up with the Word. We find Jesus and share Him.
