John 10:3-5
"...The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers."

As we went through this chapter of John on Sunday night, these couple verses really stood out to me. As I was reading it, I was picturing the scene in my head, and was thinking how it would be taking place. First of all, the shepherd calls the sheep by name. I used to apply that to salvation, and that before we ever accept Him, He is calling to us. But as I read it the other night, I was thinking how that applies to our lives after salvation as well. God has things planned for our life, things that He is calling us to. He knows each of us individually, by name, and has a plan for us.
But notice, there is no lasso involved. He calls us, then the ball is in our court, and that is why the next part is so important - "the sheep hear his voice". It doesn't matter how much God is calling us, if we refuse to listen, and ignore Him, His plan for us doesn't go any further. He doesn't force His plan on us, He simply calls for us, then waits. We need to make sure we are listening for God. We need to be looking for His direction.
The next part is my favorite - "...He leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them". God doesn't send out to fulfill His plan without going ahead of us. He equips us for the job He gives us, and the whole time He is out in front of us paving the way. Sometimes we think things are so rough, and we feel so alone, but if we are heeding Gods voice, he is already a step ahead of us, smoothing the way.
We are blessed to have such a wonderful loving shepherd. A shepherd who is commited to our safety, and who wants nothing but the best pastures for us to graze in. Be listening for the voice of the Lord in your life, and be prepared to be blessed.

-Jared