A Devotion from J. Danson Smith

“He putteth forth his own sheep.” (John 10:4.)

Oh, this is bitter work for Him and us—bitter for us to go, but equally bitter for Him to

cause us pain; yet it must be done. It would not be conducive to our true welfare to stay

always in one happy and comfortable lot. He therefore puts us forth. The fold is deserted,

that the sheep may wander over the bracing mountain slope. The laborers must be thrust

out into the harvest, else the golden grain would spoil.

Take heart! it could not be better to stay when He determines otherwise; and if the loving

hand of our Lord puts us forth, it must be well. On, in His name, to green pastures and still

waters and mountain heights! He goeth before thee. Whatever awaits us is encountered first by

Him. Faith’s eye can always discern His majestic presence in front; and when that cannot be

seen, it is dangerous to move forward. Bind this comfort to your heart, that the Savior has tried

for Himself all the experiences through which He asks you to pass; and He would not ask you to

pass through them unless He was sure that they were not too difficult for your feet, or too

trying for your strength.

This is the Blessed Life—not anxious to see far in front, nor careful about the next step, not

eager to choose the path, nor weighted with the heavy responsibilities of the future, but quietly

following behind the Shepherd, one step at a time.

Dark is the sky! and veiled the unknown morrow!

Dark is life’s way, for night is not yet o’er;

The longed-for glimpse I may not meanwhile borrow;

But, this I know, HE GOETH ON BEFORE.

Dangers are nigh! and fears my mind are shaking;

Heart seems to dread what life may hold in store;

But I am His—He knows the way I’m taking,

More blessed still—HE GOETH ON BEFORE.

Doubts cast their weird, unwelcome shadows o’er me,

Doubts that life’s best—life’s choicest things are o’er;

What but His Word can strengthen, can restore me,

And this blest fact; that still HE GOES BEFORE.

HE GOES BEFORE! Be this my consolation!

He goes before! On this my heart would dwell!

He goes before! This guarantees salvation!

HE GOES BEFORE! And therefore all is well.