Following the Shepherd Isn’t Always Comfortable

By Mary Saylor
www.humblewarriors.org

Last month, I was driving with my husband up the canyon near our home to one of our favorite hiking spots. We came around a curve in the road and found a large flock of sheep being herded up the mountain for summer grazing. 

I watched fascinated as several sheep kept darting off to the side, trying to turn back down the mountain. Three cowboys kept circling the flock, nudging frightened sheep back in the direction they needed to go. Those modern day shepherds knew that the sheep would be healthier and happier once they arrived at their new pasture. 

The sheep wanted to run back to what felt familiar and safe. 

How often are we like those wary sheep? Our Shepherd invites us to stretch and grow, but we often want to run back to our safe, familiar comfort zones. If you ever notice a spark of an idea to create something – a song, a story, a friendship, a missionary moment –  trust that the Savior is gently nudging you towards new pastures. 

If you ever try to talk yourself out of using your talents, trust that it’s fear talking, and remind yourself to “stir up the gift of God, which is in thee…For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:6-7). 

If you’re ever not sure, here’s a handy chart to help you process whether you’re following the Savior in faith or following your own fear back down the mountain. 

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