In Step

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NLT

Benjamin Franklin is credited as saying, "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail." In other words, we shouldn't just 'wing it' through life - 'flying by the seat of our pants' (although there are those who do exactly that). Do you have a goal or goals you're working toward? If so, I'm sure you are taking steps to complete those goals. Do they line up with God's plan for you? (Have you sought God's plan?)

It's a funny thing about the significance of steps. We are each on a life's journey taking steps every day. Oh, sometimes we may feel as though we're not getting anywhere, but the truth is none of us stands still for long. Proverbs 20:24 NKJV reads, A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way? reminding us that as Christians, when our steps are ordered by the Lord, we may not always understand why we go through tough times (Think Job. Think Joseph.) and yet we can and should have complete faith that He is directing our way.

Which way are your steps taking you? Are they following God's plan or your own? We take careful steps to avoid trouble and hard times. We don't like them; we don't think we should have to go through them, but oftentimes these are the places on our path where we cling to God, learning that He is most definitely with us. Psalm 37:23-24 NLT tells us, The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Yes, please hold our hand, Lord.

We can take great comfort in knowing that even as God reprimanded the Israelites for their rebellious hearts, He still promised salvation, declaring in Isaiah 46:11b NIV, What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. He will do it!

God is taking the necessary steps to accomplish His plan and purpose for our lives. We won't always understand His ways, He tells us that, but He is faithful and trustworthy. Isaiah tells us in 28:29 NLT, All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.

Are we in step with the Father's plan?

Prayer:

Father,
          We pray as Isaiah prayed, Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. And as David prayed, Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

From Now Until Easter - Slips, Trips and Falls

From Ash Wednesday until Easter, I will post from Lent and Easter devotionals offered online. Tonight's post features excerpts written by Rev. Tim Ehrhardt, currently serving as a Clinical Pastoral Education chaplain resident at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way; though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

It is inevitable that we will stumble and fall. The real issue is how we discern the divine in such situations. Our view of God matters. If we see God as primarily punitive, looking to put heavy loads on us and cause us to slip when we get out of line, then guilt and shame will likely dominate our thoughts. Yet, if we see God as gracious, merciful, kind, and good—all the time—thoughts of security and peace will likely be our default mode. 

The psalmist gives us a view of God as the One who delights in us, has us by the hand, has our backs when we stumble or mess up, and is our source of firm support in difficult times. This is a vision of God who willingly receives our confession, extends forgiveness, and provides what we need.

Prayer: 

God of all the ages, 

                 You have revealed Your grace in our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we wait patiently on Your mercies, strengthen our steps to live in Your justice, so that with our hands held firmly by You, we may hear and accomplish Your will, through Christ, who lights the way to life everlasting. Amen.

I Want to Be...

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Ephesians 5:2 NLT

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Are you there yet? Did you recognize the talents born within you that led you on a predictable path? Or are you worlds apart from what you thought you would be? Think about it for a moment...

While being formed in our mothers' wombs, God put within us every gift and talent we would need to fulfill His plan for our lives. Are we working with Him or fighting against Him? 

Ultimately, we are to strive to be like Christ. To love and to serve. How are we doing?

Prayer:

Father, 

          Keep us ever mindful to follow in Your footsteps - to walk only where You have gone before us - to know that every step we take either puts us one step closer to You or one step further away. In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen