God Leads Us Along

George A. Young was a poor preacher and carpenter that struggled to support his family on his meager earnings. After years of sacrifice, he was able to move his family into the small home he built. While he and his family were away preaching, a group of boys set fire to the home leaving the Young family to return to a pile of ash. Inspired by this tragedy, George penned the lyrics to the well-known hymn “God Leads Us Along”.

Many years after George’s death, a fellow hymn writer decided to find George’s widow to speak to her about the lyrics of the hymn. When Halder Lillenas stopped at a gas station to ask for directions, the attendant exclaimed “Why sir, that’s the County Poor House up the road about three miles. And mister, when I say poor house, I really mean poor house!”

When Halder arrived at the poorhouse, he found Mrs. Young “radiating the joy of the Lord”. Mrs. Young began to describe how the Lord led her and her husband over the many difficult years. “Dr. Lillenas,” she exclaimed, “God led me here! I’m so glad He did, for you know, about every month someone comes into this place to spend the rest of their days...So many of them don’t know my Jesus. I’m having the time of my life introducing them to Jesus! Dr. Lillenas, isn’t it wonderful how God leads! ... How thankful I am that God brought me to this place to minister to so many in need.”

You may not always know where God will lead but, should you choose to follow, He will be with you every step of the way!

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8 (NKJV).

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.


Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

Tho’ sorrows befall us and Satan oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.


Away from the mire and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.


Refrain

Some thro’ the waters, some thro’ the flood,
Some thro’ the fire, but all thro’ the blood;
Some thro’ great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.