Just Take A Step

Just take a step.

Would you laugh if I told you that it seems too hard…too big?

It feels hard when you don’t know where that step will lead you.

How do I even know where to step? What does that first step feel like, look like?

What if I step in the wrong direction? What if I step on someone’s toes because they are already going there? What if there are so many people there already that there is no room for me? What if the step does not take me anywhere but in circles?

How can I take a step when there is more I need to know? The road map or GPS with step by step directions has not yet arrived.

Questions loom…. emotions rage… doubt assails. Each whirling, pressing, pounding on my mind. Each screaming their own warning or doubt. Adequate answers do not seem to come.

Just take a step.

Paralyzed. Unsure. Yet convinced that there is a step to be taken. Heart pounding, spirit pulsing sure there is a move to be made. Mind vs. Heart. Emotion vs. Spirit.

Doubt and fear are powerful roadblocks. They have the power to keep us… to keep me… frozen. Stuck in a place that is not “bad” yet is not the “fullness” of His will for me. A place that feels familiar and in that it feels strangely “good”. I am not moving but I am safe. Comfortable.

“Do not be afraid…” (Isaiah 4:10 ) But I am!

“…only believe.” (Mark 5:36) I want to but…!

“Press on…” (Phil 3:14) I am too tired!

“…move on.” (Ex. 14:15 ) It looks to scary!

“Follow me…” (Matt. 4:19) I don’t know where that will take me!

Walk forward… (Isaiah 43:18-19) The other direction is familiar!

I do hear You! I do believe You! My doubts and inaction betray these best intentions. Day after day, I sit and cry out “Show me, Lord”. Day after day you lovingly remind me…

Just take a step.

Obedience is hard. Pressing on, moving, following, walking forward…. hard.

Today though I choose them over sitting, doubting, questioning, and fearing. They have stolen too many hours…too many days… too many years.

“I am God, your God, who teaches you how to live right and well. I show you what to do, where to go. If you had listened all along to what I told you, your life would have flowed full like a river…” (Isaiah 48:17-18 The Message)

“…peace flowing like a gentle river” (Isaiah 48:18 NLT) What a difference that would be from the relentless restlessness in this “comfortable place”.

I told my sweet girl once… “the first is the hardest”. I remind my own heart of that today. I choose hard and am promised peace… exchanging comfort for peace. Hmmm… As I begin to move, I feel it. Peace feels good. My little world is still very much the same but my perspective has changed. I am still sitting in my favorite chair but I am seeing all that is around me and within me from “a new place”. The first step changes me!

Taking a step… starting the journey. I have no idea where this will lead. I am so glad that He does!

Now on to the next step!

Lord, I do not know where you are leading. I am unsure how to move forward into what feels very unknown. I am thankful though for these truths: You know! You will equip me! You alone will order my steps! And, best of all, You go with me! When I fumble or fail, your grace will cover me, pick me back up, and place me back on your path. Those truths alone demolish the roadblocks of fear & doubt. I am so glad You are bigger and that you love me so much. Thank you, precious heavenly father. May this first small step make you smile! Your will be done. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Let me ask you, my friends…
Is He asking you to take a step?
What is keeping you from moving?
What small thing can you do to move?
What promises does He give you in response to His call?

Let’s Ponder Together ~

Margaret