Baby Steps
There never seems to be anything small about a baby’s first step. Parents big excitement, the baby’s huge development, and a monumental change forthcoming in the household. I agree, it is always exciting to see a baby’s first step as the little one transitions away from the crawling stage. Unavoidably falling ever so tenderly, but at the same time undeterred. The joy in sharing the excitement with the parents as their child is encourage by holding onto those tiny fingers to keep them steady. Mom and Dad seemingly unconcerned about exposing a path to bigger things in their young adventurous life.
Forever Baby Steps
As I thought about this, there is one thing that does not seem to change as young children get bigger and stronger. Throughout our life there will always be baby steps. Learning to drive, starting a new job, recovering from a medical procedure, or more importantly… pursuing a walk with God… all take small, intentional baby steps. However, it is comforting to know that no matter what steps we are taking, stumbling or not, Jesus will hold us up (Psalm 37:23-24). By placing our trust in Him, He will be the one who will give us strength and with His mighty hand keep us from falling (Isaiah 41:10). As a matter of fact, He will be right beside you and I as we learn to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Molded Me Who I Am
As I reflect on my career and spiritual journey, everything I have accomplished has started out with Baby Steps. In fact, the baby steps throughout my life molded me into who I am. It is only proper to give credit where credit is due… who was it that encouraged me? Did I lean on someone to hold me up, so I didn’t fall? And did I thank the one who made it all possible, for it was not I (Proverbs 16:9).
Indeed, the baby steps taken to where you are today, and the baby steps you will take to where you are going will expose who you are and who you will become (Romans 12:1-2). By keeping Christ in everything you do… your actions, words, and guiding principles will reflect your faith in each small step of the way (Colossians 3:17). So, when we get discouraged, or get tripped up with Satan’s schemes, the roots we have in Christ will keep us moving forward. Creating opportunities and preparing us for the race marked out for us to run (Hebrews 12:1-2). Even though this can be easier said than done, we can be sure of victory when we put our hope in God since it is He who works within you and I to fulfill His purpose (Philippians 2:13).
One Step At A Time
The Lord wants us to take one step at a time. He holds our future, and He has seen the end, which is glorious. Take those baby steps and more importantly, just keep walking …
Dear Lord, thank you for helping me learn to walk and for guiding my baby steps. Keep holding onto my hand as I learn to stay on the right path. Amen.
Psalm 37:23-24
Isaiah 41:10
2 Corinthians 5:7
Proverbs 16:9
Romans 12:1-2
Colossians 3:17
Hebrews 12:1-2
Philippians 2:13
— Phil
If you like, check out these Daily Devotions
Today’s Scripture
Psalm 37:23-24
He Will Not Forsake His Saints
23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; 24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear Not, for I Am with You
10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
2 Corinthians 5:7
Our Heavenly Dwelling
7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
Proverbs 16:9
The plans of the heart
9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Romans 12:1-2
A Living Sacrifice
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Colossians 3:17
Put On the New Self
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 2:13
Lights in the World
13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.