Steps of Discovery

Are you ready to take another step? It may be a small, baby step; it may be a great, life-changing step. The distance covered doesn't matter, only the direction it takes you. Each day brings the opportunity to take another step in one direction or another.

Are you facing the Lord, the God of the universe, the Creator and Sustainer of all life, the Savior and Shepherd of our souls? If you are, then any step forward you take will bring you closer to Him, deeper into His love, further into His plan for you. It will place you where God has prepared the next blessing, the next task, the next lesson, the next grace that He wants for you.

Is there an area of your life that resists taking that next step closer? He already knows about it. The idea of it does not shock or surprise Him. It was already carried to its penalty of death by Jesus and laid on His shoulders as He accepted it. God knows about it, Jesus carried it, even the devil knows it was paid for, the debt was canceled, and the power it held over you broken. Just take another step forward and let the warmth of His love, the brightness of the light of His freedom show how to unlatch that burden, how to pick that cuckle-burr off, and let the rising waters of life flowing from His throne rinse off the residue and soothe the weariness in your soul.

What will you find? Your heart's desire. That which satisfies and completes, that which fills and enriches. That which multiplies and increases as it is given away. The nearer you come to the throne of God, the heart of God, the more closely you begin to resemble Him Who loves you and the more clearly others can see His nature, His image  within you.

What can you do there? Worship deeper, love stronger, work harder, rest more securely. As the old things continue to pass away and be replaced by your on-going growth in God, the old insecurities, the old uncertainties, the old angers, the old wounds and memories fade and so does the turmoil that accompanied them. You find peace with God and with yourself, you find forgiveness for others and humility with honor in service to those God sends you to.

What is required to take that step? Nothing more than a decision, a choice, an exercising of your will. It is important to note that each day you *will* be taking steps -- that is the nature of living in time rather than eternity. Time brings change; you will not be able to stand still. The events or results of each day will bring more steps taken in our lives. What we need is the understanding of what each direction brings, and wisdom to make the right choice, time after time, step after step. God offers His abundance, His freedom, His strength and power, and He honors your free will to choose and decide. Ask Him for the wisdom to make the right choice.

Proverbs 3:15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

Father God, thank You for all You have done to pave the way for us to follow. It may not be the broad road taken by so many, but You have made it a safe road, even for the blind and the lame. Thank You for the wind of Your Spirit that blows along that road, cooling and caressing the travelers, whispering reassurances when doubts rise up from the baggage that has not yet been dropped by the wayside. We bless You, Father, for the armed guards You set along the road, that though the lion can be heard roaring in the thicket by the road, no enemy can travel the road. We follow Your leading, Lord, one step at a time.

4M14G03U