"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their
lives." Psalm 37:23 NLT
Sometimes, steps can lead to uncommon sites.
Porter's Creek Trail is a popular trail in the Great Smokey Mountains National
Park. The first mile of the trail is a wide gravel path that passes the remains
of several old home sites surrounded by rock walls. In the middle of an odd
area, a set of rickety stone stairs leads upward. As I climbed to the top, a
small cemetery awaited me-a family cemetery from long ago with mostly illegible
headstones.
The psalmist was confident God directed the steps of His followers.
Delightfully, He walks along with His children as they traverse the steps of
life.
Like the steps leading up to the old cemetery, life's steps can be slippery,
uneven, or solid. Had it recently rained, I would have scaled the ancient steps
more carefully. Green moss on them would have slowed me down as well. I know
what moss on a wet surface can do. Though some may have fallen on these
particular steps, the steps have stood the test of time. Hundreds of years
later, they still carry visitors to the old cemetery.
My life's steps will always lead somewhere. When ordered by God, a destination
awaits-one that will be brighter than the spot I'm currently in if I let Him
lead me all the way through. On the way, the steps may take me through valley
experiences, desert depths, and over mountain peaks, but with God guiding I
don't have to fear any of those experiences.
Whatever steps God takes me up, I can rest assured He precedes me like a
shepherd leading sheep to a greener pasture. The shepherd has already been there
and removed poisonous weeds and checked for danger. While climbing the steps,
God will be beside me. If I slip, He will pick me up. If I twist my ankle, He
will mend the hurt.
God also designs the steps of life to test my character. Numerous biblical
stories and countless testimonies by Christian saints relate it. God's ordered
steps for me are never concocted to destroy but to build up and make me stronger
spiritually than I've ever been before.
As you climb the steps of life, remember who built them and that they are
designed to lead you to a place of stronger character.
Prayer: Father, we climb Your steps for us with confidence that what awaits us
at the top will be better than what we've experienced below.
Martin Wiles Hodges, South Carolina, USA
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