Monday, January 26, 2009

In Other Words---The Next Step

Photobucket

"Take the first step in faith.
You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
Martin Luther King, Jr.



More than once in the last few days, I've been reminded that delayed obedience is disobedience. I, as a parent, understand that. When I tell my children to do something, I expect them to act quickly and appropriately. But as a child of God, I'm not so diligent.

I hear the call to obey, and I ask for more direction. I see the way to go, and I ask God for confirmation. It is human nature to want to see the path in front of us. And when you couple human nature with a type A, sometimes OCD personality, well...details are required.

But God doesn't always provide details. Just as this quote from MLK, Jr reminds us, God only requires the first step. The step He shows us. Then he expects the next step, and then the next, until finally we reach the result.

I'll never forget visiting Megiddo on our trip to the Holy Land. Our guide took us through a 215 foot tunnel that would have been used to get to the spring for water during times of attack. It was narrow and steep and very dark even with the few lights that had been added for tourists benefit. (I can't find our pictures of it, but if you go to flickr and search Megiddo there are some good pictures. A ramp has been added for tourists since we were there.) Our guide asked us how we would have maneuvered the tunnel with a candle for light and a water jug full of water. Of course, none of us knew. He then explained, the little lantern would have been attached to our feet so our hands were free for the jug. It would have lit the next step and nothing more.



Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105



We can only ever expect the next step to be lit. We just need to walk in faith.

Father, help me to trust you for the next step. Help me respond quickly to your call. Let me not become disobedient by waiting for the whole picture when you are only giving a snippet. Amen.

Today's hostess is Denise at Shortybears Place. Please join us there.

9 comments:

Kristin said...

What a wonderful and timely reminder.

Anonymous said...

Very nice. thank you for sharing, sister.

Denise said...

Great post dear.

Susan said...

Wow, this was so good. Great example.

Yes, He word will truly lead and guide us, we muct belive and obey!

Have a blessed day♥

Laurie Ann said...

I loved the story you shared and what the guide said. How true! Great post on having the faith to trust the One who believes us and not to delay obedience. He will always make a way.

Karen said...

I love your post. It is a matter of many steps, ones we won't take alone but we are required to take them moving us forward.

Anonymous said...

Good post. delayed obedience is disobedience and as I tell the children I expect instant joyful obedience. Now I need to do as I say.

Love the lamp story. I want to go to Israel!

Tami said...

I know we should obey immediately, but aren't there times you aren't sure what God is asking of you? He's been telling me for years to write, but the message and mediums have been very different. I always feel like I'm guessing. So I pray for the next thing only and that has helped. Wait a minute, I just went full circle, didn't I?

Truly, one step at a time is all we can handle.

Thanks for a thoughtful post, friend.

Patricia said...

I love this analogy. I will remember it well. I pray the Lord keeps my focus on the next step as He illuminates my path.

Great post!