Baby Steps
Remember when your baby was learning to walk? He stood up, wobbled, and fell on his behind only to stand up, wobble, and fall again. But then there came that magical day when he took his first step forward. And what did you do? You stood back with arms outstretched, encouraging him to come toward you.
As he focused intently on your face, he took another awkward step, you moved back a little further…and he fell again. Determined as ever, he stood up again, took a step, then another, then another, his eyes never leaving yours.
Finally, his steps reached you as he fell into your waiting embrace where the two of you rejoiced at his success. This game was played repeatedly until suddenly, his little muscles grew strong enough to walk on his own with confidence and agility.
How often in life have we taken a step toward godliness only to fall on our behinds? How many times have we pulled ourselves back up and stepped forward again, toward the waiting arms of our Heavenly Father, only to have Him seem further away than when we started the journey?
Just as a parent teaches his child to walk, the Lord draws us toward Him one baby-step at a time. He allows us to fall in order to develop in us a tenacity that cannot be acquired if He simply picks us up and carries us. Each time we fall and get up to try again, our spiritual muscles are strengthened and we are prepared for the next step forward. Although we will never walk alone, God will give us a measure of independence as we travel the path He sets before us. But He will at times take a step or two back in order to continually draw us toward Him, and to train our gaze upon His.
When life’s trials come, be mindful that the Lord is indeed ever-present. He is encouraging you to get up, focus on His Face, and move toward Him. When conflict arises in your marriage relationship, refocus on your Father and take a step toward His waiting arms. He will strengthen you, and He will teach you to walk in His ways.
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“ The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
~ Psalm 37:23