We went hiking last week at Turner Falls, and I decided I wanted to make it to the top of a very rocky, steep ascent in order to take in the view and prove to myself I can still go where I want to. Almost immediately, I realized the way up was steeper and more dangerous than I anticipated. My focus instantly changed from my intended destination to the ground right in front of me: ensuring that each step landed on solid rock, not on loose gravel or sand. And as I lumbered up the hill, half-crawling, the verse "your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105) came to mind. I was able to climb dangerous slopes without rolling an ankle or falling on my face because I was watching the ground right in front of me, not looking further up the path to the destination.
So it is with our walk with the LORD: his Word is a light to our feet, to the ground before us for our next step, even as we can't see His intended final destination. He wants us to trust him with our next step, and the next one, and the next one, all while we firmly believe he'll get us to the top of the mountain. Believe this, and take one step at a time in faith. (That's son-in-law Jared Akins in the picture, he's a much better climber than I am....)
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