Taking That Next Step!

“That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”  We all know Neil Armstrong’s famous quote as he took his first step onto the face of the moon.  He was a man who knew something about taking the next step.

What next step do you need to be making?  Has God shown you the next step?  If He has, are you taking that step or are you hesitating because you are too scare? Are you hesitating because you don’t see the whole picture?

God has shown me the next steps that He wants me to take in several areas of my life.  However, I am hesitating.  Why? Because I am scared, scared of the unknown. I am scared because I don’t see the whole picture.  I am scared because I don’t even see all the steps that I will need to take.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase – Martin Luther King Jr.

It is scary to take the next step. I don’t know what is out there.  All I see is the step in front of me.  I get a glimpse of the whole picture, but I want the step by step instructions.  On Google Maps, the directions are take a right on this street followed by a left on this street.  All the step by step directions are there.

In life, God gives us direction one step at a time.  I know that so far my journey has been a little bumpy, thanks to me.  I have strayed off the path a time or two, but God redirects me.

This new path that God has for me will take me to something that God has planned.  It is something that God wants me to do.  However, in this continuation of my journey in life, I have to take the first step, a step in faith. 

“A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step” – Lao Tzu

Faith is sometimes a very scary thing.  Let’s be honest, taking the step towards something you have no idea of all the twists and turns is scary.  Life can be scary.  Like driving a road in the dark that you have never driven.

In fact that is what our steps are.  They are driving in the dark on a road we haven’t driven before.  However, our co-driver knows the road.  He  is aware of the pitfalls.  If I focus on Him, He will light my way.

I realize that I am focusing on myself or others.  “What will people think?”  “How will I get this done?” That is the problem.  When my focus is not on God, I will start to sink as Peter did as he was walking on water. Peter sank when he focus was on whether the others in the boat were looking at him instead of looking to Jesus.

If I focus my gaze on Jesus I will take the steps necessary towards Him.  I will walk on water.  Maybe not truly, but my journey will be just as cool.  My focus for the journey needs to be on God.  Each step I take needs to be taken looking to God for direction.

My God will never let me fall. “They word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105.  So step by step, I am going to venture to where God is leading. I will not be afraid of what may come, no matter what it is.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God” Philippians 4:6.

It will require a change of focus on my part.  Which is funny, since that is my word for the year.  The next steps will require me to not focus so much inward, but look to God more.  My God has it under control.

The next step, writing my story in book form.  God has impressed me to write that story. For those of you who have read the blog earlier in the year, you will know what I mean.  It will not be an easy feat.

I will need all your prayers for that step.  It will require me to go into the darkness of what I lived for so long.  Yet, I know that with God with me, and you praying for me, I will not be alone.  I am just so scared to delve back into that part of what I used to live in.

So, that is the next step that I get to take.  One of many steps. I am confident that when I start this project, God will guide. I know that I am a complete and whole person in God, a new creation. So, no matter the darkness, the Light of God will shine.

I am doing this for the Glory to God alone.  Soli Deo Gloria.

Dear Lord,

You have given each of us the journey called life.  We only need to look to You for our next steps.  You will guide us.  If we look to You, then we will not sink into the seas of life.  Maybe You have shown us the next steps, but we are too afraid or scared.  Wrap us tightly in Your arms and make us feel Your Love.  You are enough.  You have us in the palm of Your Hand.  I am stepping out in faith Lord.  Amen

Laura Maxson