One Little Step

I recall with great excitement how Brenda and I anticipated the first step each of our boys would take.  For weeks we would hold them by the hands and walk with them. We coaxed them to stand on their own and then to take a step toward our outstretched arms. Most of the time they would plop down. Sometimes they stood on wobbly legs tottering back and forth before losing their balance and falling down.

You could see them working through taking that first step without our help in their minds. They were unsure. They preferred the security of our strength. In time we rejoiced when each of our boys took that initial step. We celebrated that momentous occasion. Now we take them walking for granted. We are not overly impressed when they walk across the room or the yard. We have come to expect more out of them. We have celebrated them running track, playing football, basketball and baseball.

When I look back over my walk with God I remember one of the first faith steps I ever took. That step scared me. I felt wobbly on young legs of faith. I wanted to cling to security but God nudged me toward faith. He has been doing that now for over three decades.

Faith is trusting God enough to take one little step of obedience after another. The first step can be the hardest. Just one little step toward God and His invitation to join Him or to believe Him for the impossible. Just one little step. One step toward obedience and away from rebellion. One step toward trust and away from doubt. One step toward God's promise and away from the Devil's lies. One step toward the impossible and away from the safe and secure. One step toward Him and away from living life in our own strength and wisdom.

How many mighty acts of God started with one step. Noah cutting the first tree before building the ark. Abraham becoming the father of a great nation by taking that first step away from his home. Moses stepping out toward the Red Sea. Moses going up on the mountain to receive the commandments of God. Joshua leading Israel into the promise land. Elijah stepping up on Mount Carmel against false prophets. Jonah eventually stepping into Nineveh. The disciples stepping away from their nets and toward Jesus to follow Him. All of it with just one step.

What is that one step God is requiring of you right now? What is He calling you to do? What is the next little step you need to make? You have a choice to make. Do you trust God enough to take one step of obedience? I have a choice to make. Will I trust God enough to take that one little step. Ready or not here I go.