THE STEPS OF SUMMER

A few weeks ago, ice presented us with a challenge along the trail. Now it’s wood ticks. The little buggers are everywhere. They drop from overhanging branches, crawl onto our socks from the grass, and sometimes I think they bomb us from the air itself. But unwelcome intruders as they are, God has given them the purpose of feeding the birds. They simply add to our summer experiences and challenges.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair

A Step at a Time

The wooded, meandering trail still had ice on it which had built up, and been compacted by earlier trekkers. The only way to reach our destination was to keep moving and, in this case, move slowly and deliberately. Our greatest concern had to be the next step, not the destination. At times we had to stop and consider where to place our feet without fear of slipping or falling.

Our walk with God could be compared to hiking a trail. In fact, the Old Testament tells about men of God who didn’t know the details of their future but who trusted God to lead them on the right path. They knew little more than the next step. Joseph, for instance, though imprisoned and without knowledge of his future, believed God would reveal the next steps he should take. Abraham left his home country at God’s command without knowing his destination. Countless Christians called by God to enter the mission field simply left their comfortable lives, trusting that God would take them where He wanted them to minister.

None of us knows what our future holds on this earth. Our job is simply to walk with God, trusting in His guidance and His promises to plant our feet where they should go. Such a simple trust will propel us forward, knowing with assurance that God will direct us.

It’s when we focus on the icy trail ahead that our walk is hindered. Fear of movement will cripple us, rob us of God’s promised trail-blessings, and prevent others from starting or continuing their own walk through life with God.

Fear of the unknown looms large in the hearts of many. But usually the “What ifs” we ask ourselves come to nothing. The opposite of fear is faith. God’s Word asks for faith, promotes faith, encourages faith. It is a fact that there are at least 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible—one for every day of the year. That’s enough to cause all of us to start walking!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Lord, we want to walk with You one step at a time and depend on Your leading. Keep us from fearing the icy steps ahead. Rather, keep our minds and hearts on Your perfect path. In Jesus’ name, amen.