Verb: Walk (wok). . . To move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once. It’s what we teach our young children . . . just put one foot in front of the other.
Sounds simple, yet, like a toddler first learning to walk, sometimes those “steps” are met with uncertainty, causing us to falter, or perhaps fall. Take hiking, for instance. You never know what lies ahead, or how the terrain of your path may change . . . however, in order to reach your destination, you still have to put one foot in front of the other.
Oh, how our lives are like a hiking trip. One day we can be traipsing along on an easy to moderate trek, soaking in the beauty of our surroundings. Then–wham! We trip on a nasty root that revealed itself. Our path becomes a series of unexpected twists and turns. Maybe, we find ourselves in the midst of a steep incline, causing us to huff and puff our way along with . . . each . . . and . . . every . . . step.
The “hike” is always worth it though, isn’t it? Yes. No matter how tough the climb, if our eyes are truly open, we can still see beauty in the battle.
The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. — Proverbs 16:9
When we truly desire God’s will above all else, regardless of whether or not we know the reasons for our course, God will see that we walk in His will, step by step. Sometimes the steps are painful. At times, maybe surprising. When we allow God to establish our steps, we can still find beauty throughout the trek.
If the Lord delights in a man’s way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. — Psalm 37:23
Take heart on your journey, fellow hikers. God is always ready to show us the next step in His plan for our lives. Not only will He go before us; He will also walk with us every step of the way–as we what? (C’mon, say it with me) Put one foot in front of the other!
Father God, establish my steps and light my path today. May I see beauty with each step. Help me realize that twists, turns and steep incline are not only opportunities for me to grow in my understanding of Your will, but also serve to help me walk closer with You. Amen.
