Sure Steps

Read:  Isaiah 30:21
           Psalm 119:105
           Jeremiah 29:11
 
There are two things my husband really likes. It’s a mystery to me, but to him, they are very important.
 
The first one is the maps app on his cell phone.  With these maps, he can go virtually anywhere and his chances of getting lost are minimal.  It even tells him when there is a backup on the highway and where to turn to detour around it.  When we travel, he will ask me to check the information given on the map and tell him where his next turn is.  Why is it necessary to know that you will need to exit right in 157.9 miles?  Doesn’t he have plenty of time to get in the correct lane?
 
God has a travel plan for us too.  He has a path for us to follow.  It was set in place before we were even born.  That plan will get us where He desires for us to be.  However, He doesn’t show us the end from the beginning. He doesn’t tell us when our next turn will be.  He doesn’t even tell us how long the trip is!  He shows us one step at a time.  Which brings me to the next thing my husband really likes…flashlights.
 
In our home we have big flashlights, small ones, those that are very, very bright and some that are not so bright.  When the power goes off in our house, from the outside you wouldn’t know our power was out.  If he has to go outside at night, his way is clearly lit for several feet in front of him.
 
God lights our way on the path He has chosen for us.  However, He only lights one step at a time.  In the Psalmist’s time they used a clay dish with oil to light their way.  This didn’t provide much light–only enough for a step or two at a time.  Obviously, it was in the best interests of the traveler to take slow, sure steps.  The Psalmist didn’t have a clue about GPS or LED flashlights.  But he did know how God guides us on our journey.
 
Often we are tempted to run ahead of God’s leading.  The situation we are in seems unbearable, and the sooner we get out, the better.  If we think there is a detour around our situation that will make things easier, are we not willing to give it a try?  Even though God knows what is best for us is the path He has planned.  How hard to slow down and take one steady, sure step at a time.  How hard to stay on a path that seems too steep, too difficult.  Yet, God has told us in His Word if we will have faith in Him, trust Him, obey His Word and follow His leading, though it seems impossible, He will lead us through.
 
Steps taken too quickly often lead to a fall.  A detour can extend the length of our trip or cause us to lose sight of the path altogether.  Follow God.  Trust the leading He provides through His Word and time spent in prayer.  He wants what is absolutely best for us.  Remember He works in the realm of PERFECT, and He wants His perfect will to be active in our lives not just for us, but for others to see and for His glory!

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