Living Free - Jan. 22, 2014

"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." - (Psalm 37:23-24 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

As the Israelites marched around Jericho those seven days, don't you imagine some of the soldiers got impatient? "If we are going to do this thing, let's do it!"

But God was leading them, step by step. Man's way would have been to make an attack plan and charge! But man's way would have failed. God gave them each step to take . . . and they were to follow those steps. One step at a time. Only then would they succeed.

Consider this …

C. S. Lewis said, "What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step."*

Today's scripture reminds us that the Lord directs our steps. How well are you taking direction? Are you willing to trust him even when things look bleak? Are you willing to do things his way even when his way doesn't seem to make sense? Are you willing to wait for him to direct you—one step at a time?

"He delights in every detail of their lives." One reason God wants to direct our steps is that he delights in all the details of our lives! When we remember that, it should be easier to wait on him . . . to trust him.

And what a beautiful promise this scripture passage closes with: "Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."

We all stumble. Sometimes by making wrong choices. Sometimes obstacles or circumstances trip us. But if we are trusting Jesus to guide us, he is holding our hand. We may stumble, but we won't fall. He is there guiding and protecting us. He will help us get back up and move on. Persistently. One step at a time.

Prayer

Lord, I know I get impatient. So often I think I have everything figured out and do things my way. I should know by now that doesn't work. Please forgive me. Help me follow your direction, not running ahead or lagging behind. Leaving my hand in yours and taking one step at a time. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Godly Heroes: A Small Group Study of Hebrews 11by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This guide presents a step-by-step study of Hebrews 11. It also features the profile of the characteristics of Godly heroes, written in language that relates to today's living. In this guide you will find definitions, characteristics and examples of the heroes' faith life. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.