There once was a little lamb who, as much as she tried, could not seem to fit in with the other little lambs in the flock. She sought to be accepted and loved, but everything she attempted to do was just not enough for those in the flock.

One day she came across a charming lamb, or so she thought, and she drew closer to him, she realized that he was standing in the most glorious patch of grass, greener than she had ever seen. She was so intrigued by this lamb and his grass that she moved even closer until she was right beside him. She lowered her head down to taste the grass, because she just couldn’t resist it. At first, the grass tasted so succulent and moist, she thought she would never get enough of it. Then she began to have a strange sensation and looked upward, as if contemplating her next move. The grass began to taste very bitter in her mouth. At this point she looked down again and the beautiful grass that had intrigued her so, had turned brittle and brown right under her feet.

She was confused. How could this glorious, green grass just disappear in front of her, and to be replaced by this substance that no one would want! It seemed too much to bear. In her mind, she had finally found a lamb that could offer her something worthwhile. At that moment, that lamb that she thought was bringing her something of great value, slowly turned to her and grinned. It wasn’t a comforting smile. It was as if he had something to do with all this deception. That grin made her feel an unexplainable sadness.

Then she glanced to her right and standing beside her was a shepherd. He was tall and strong. His strength was comforting. It was the first time ever that she felt loved, protected and safe. Was this feeling real? Was this shepherd real? After the experience she just had, she wasn’t quite sure.

Sensing her reluctance, the shepherd calmly said, “Come, my little lamb, follow me. Turn away from your sadness and follow me. I will show you love, joy and peace that you have never experienced before this moment. You will eat of the greenest grass and drink of the most refreshing water. All you have to do is follow me.”

The lamb thought this was too good to be true. How can I have all that this shepherd promises? I have never had this before. How can I possibly have it now? I have just resolved to a life of rejection. How can I expect any different?

Deep inside herself, though, she had desired that love, joy and peace that this shepherd is claiming she can have, if she only follows Him.

In an instant, she gathered all the strength that was in her and walked toward the shepherd. She knew that she was taking a chance, a risk even, to follow Him. She did it anyway, she walked closer to the shepherd as she gave the lamb one more glance. What she saw made her blink several times. She saw the lamb very frightened, a contrast to the cunning grin she witnessed earlier. As she moved further away from him and closer to the shepherd, she began to see him disappear. He was no longer there! How could this be?

She glanced back at the Shepherd, who at that moment was looking into her eyes with such love and compassion, she knew what He had to offer her was real. He didn’t need to say another word. There was no doubt or question in her mind that what he promised her would become a reality.

She would follow Him.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3