Here’s a question that gave me pause this morning as I read through my emailed devotionals: “What if [God] has heard our 1,000 prayers about a particular decision, and He’s asking us to trust and step forward in faith?“
(If you want to read the full message, you can read it here.)
Praying is a good thing, as is taking your petitions and questions to God. We are encouraged to do so! But at some point, what if we’ve actually prayed enough and it’s time for us to take a step forward in faith?
To clarify, just a step, not a mad dash toward the finish line that you think you’re heading for. Just a single step in a direction.
God doesn’t call us to stay stagnant in one location forever. Part of our obedience is moving forward in faith, believing that we walk in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) and trust that He is guiding us.
Consider Abraham. God called him to leave his home country and go to a new country, one that God would show him and give to him (Genesis 12). God specifically said “to the land I will show you,” meaning he had to follow God’s leading in faith along the way.
Consider Moses. God called him to free the Israelites from slavery and when Moses doubted, God promised, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). God promised to not leave Moses alone, but to be with him every step before Pharaoh and through the process.
God promises those same things to us. He will show us the way, even if it’s one step at a time. He will be with us every step we take forward.
I can’t remember exactly where I heard this quote recently, but the person said something to the effect of “God’s word is a lamp for my feet, not for a football field.” (Not a perfect recall, but that was the gist.) They were referencing Psalm 119:105, which says “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (NIV). The thing about our path is that we can’t see the ending; we can only see what is in front of us. And let’s be honest, sometimes what’s in front of us doesn’t feel illuminated more than a step’s-worth.
Our faith enables us to take that step. Even if it’s just one step, it’s forward motion trusting that God is leading. Moving forward will illuminate the next part of the path by the light of His word. Again, we aren’t dashing wildly for the finish line, hoping that it’s the right direction. But it’s not staying stuck where you are either.
I’ve been in my own personal desert season lately, but I don’t want to stay stuck there forever. So I’ll take a step. I’ll evaluate and check in with the Lord and see what my discernment tells me about where I’m going. I’ll adjust if needed and repeat, slowly, steadily, always in faith.
Maybe I can’t see a whole football field ahead of me. That’s okay. As long as I’m not stuck in one place forever, I can be content with one step at a time.
I pray you can too.
Blessings,
~Lynne
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