Order My Steps

Here’s my attempt at re-creating the iconic “Footprints in the Sand” image. I took this shot while in Florida last March. It was fun walking in the sand, hopping off to the side to make sure my shadow didn’t appear in the picture and then taking some quick photos before the waves would rush in and erase my footprints. Not bad, eh?

I can’t look at this photo without thinking of the famous poem which ends with the powerful line, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you.”

It also reminds me of how all throughout the Bible, God promises to order our steps.

Ever go through a season when you weren’t sure what to do next? Maybe you’re in it right now. Are you trying to decide if you should take that new job? Go back to school? Move to that new city? Marry that person? Visit that exotic place, etc….

Many times in our eagerness to act, we make our plans first and then we ask God to bless them. But if we slow down a bit, we’d realize that we have it all backwards. As Christians, we’re called to pray first and to ask God to show us what He’d like us to do next.

The Bible says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

How sweet it is when we consult with God before making any major decisions! He is our Creator. He wants to guide us along the path He has for us.

One of the key ways God guides us is through the Bible. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105) The more we spend time in His Word, the more in tune we are with our Maker’s heart.

Want to know the true secret of success? It’s not really a secret. “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3)

There’s no greater feeling than when you’ve prayed about something, talked to wise counselors about it and then had the peace that this is something that God is asking you to do or allowing you to do. Nothing beats living in the center of God’s will for your life. Nothing.

So if you are at a crossroads right now, I’d like to encourage you that God has a good plan for your life. Ask Him to show you what He has in store for you, and ask Him to guide you all the way there. Those are prayers that He’s longing to answer! He may not take you the easy way, but remember that in the tough times He’ll be there carrying you through it.

Feel free to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how this post helped to encourage you!

A proud part of Bonnie’s Faith Jam this week.