One Step at a Time
OPENING PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you who you are and for the opportunity to approach your throne today.
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
REFLECT:
I’m a big picture person. I like to know how each step affects the rest of the process and how the pieces fit together ahead of any big moves. I get terribly frustrated when others don’t function this way.
I have a feeling that I would have been pretty irritated with Jesus during the events of John 11.
When Jesus got word from Mary and Martha that their brother was sick, he delayed coming to their aid and Lazarus died.
When he finally arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Jesus wept with the sisters, even as his timing and motives were questioned by them and others.
Finally, Jesus performed a miracle and raised Lazarus from the dead. He restored his friend and reunited a family.
I know I would have been with the multitudes during this time --- asking “Why? Why? Why?” --- and I’m guessing you would have been too.
None of Jesus’s actions make sense. His timing is off. It doesn’t add up and, in the moment, it would have been extremely difficult to see the big picture.
Once again, Jesus shows that his ways are not the same as mine (or yours). He shows us that God leads us one step at a time, and that he’s always a step ahead because he knows the big picture.
APPLY:
Ask God today what small step he wants you to take next. What is the next right thing for you to do in obedience to where he has been leading you? Be honest with yourself and someone else as you commit to put one foot in front of the other as you lean into God and trust his plans.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you for being my example to stop and be in the moment. Help me treasure each step of the process and all that you have to teach me in every piece of the bigger puzzle.