The steps came at him faster than I could get to him.
My wife and I and two of our grandboys were out for a visit to Star Fort in Ninety Six, South Carolina-the site of an American Revolutionary War battle. As we walked onto the battlefield, we were met by a small overlook tower. Our oldest grandson, Levi-now three and excitable-wanted to climb the steps to take a look. Since the steps weren't steep, I gave him the go-ahead.
When I finished giving him a rundown of the battle and answering his questions, he was ready to walk the trail across the battlefield. A little too ready. He forgot he couldn't run down steps as he ran on level ground. Halfway down, he stumbled and fell face forward down several steps. I hollered for him to hold on as I tried to pick up my pace and rescue him.
Fortunately, he only received a wood burn. After a few minutes of crying, he was off to the next "clue"-as he called it-which told him more about the battle.
The apostle Paul walked by faith and said all believers do as well. But I often have the same trouble my grandson did. I want to run by faith when I need to slow down and walk. When I do, I fall down the steps and have a number of things potentially happen.
When I run by faith, I get ahead of God-as Sarah and Abraham did when they tried to hurry up God's plan to give them a promised son.
Running by faith can cause me to outpace my spiritual maturity level. I may think I'm ready for God's next assignment when I'm actually not.
Running by faith leads to overdependence on self. I forget I need God in every detail of my life. There is nothing I can truly handle by myself without making a mess of it.
When I try to run by faith, I often fall into sin, disobedience, and manipulative behavior. All actions that will interfere with God's guidance of my life.
Experiencing any of these hurts that come from trying to run by faith can make me bitter, angry, and frustrated-none of which will enhance my faith walk.
Don't run by faith; just settle for walking.
Prayer: Father, hold us closely as we walk with You by faith.
Martin Wiles
Hodges, South Carolina, USA
