Streams in the Desert January 3 Daily Devotional

I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure. (Gen.33:14).

What a beautiful picture of Jacob's thoughtfulness for the cattle
and the children! He would not allow them to be overdriven even for one day. He would not lead on according to what a strong man like Esau could do and expected them to do, but only according to what they were able to endure. He knew exactly how far they could go in a day; and he made that his only consideration in arranging the
marches. He had gone the same wilderness journey years before, and
knew all about its roughness and heat and length, by personal experience. And so he said, "I will lead on softly." "For ye have not passed this way heretofore" (Josh.3:4).
We have not passed this way heretofore, but the Lord Jesus has. It is all untrodden and unknown ground to us, but He knows it all by
personal experience. The steep bits that take away our breath, the stony bits that make our feet ache so, the hot shadeless stretches
that make us feel so exhausted, the rushing rivers that we have to pass through-Jesus has gone through it all before us. "He was
wearied with his journey." Not some, but all the many waters went
over Him, and yet did not quench His love. He was made a perfect Leader by the things which He suffered. "He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Think of that when you are tempted to question the gentleness of His leading. He is remembering all
the time; and not one step will He make you take beyond what your foot is able to endure. Never mind if you think it will not be able
for the step that seems to come next either He will so strengthen it that it shall be able, or He will call a sudden halt, and you
shall not have to take it at all.--Frances Ridley Havergal.
In "pastures green"? Not always; sometimes He Who knowest best, in kindness leadeth me
In weary ways, where heavy shadows be.
So, whether on the hill-tops high and fair
I dwell, or in the sunless valleys, where
The shadows lie, what matter? He is there. --Barry.