Have you ever walked in the snow behind someone who carved a path for you with his or her larger footsteps?
It is so much easier to be the person who follows, and has the advantage of the footsteps of the leader.
When I consider my relationship with God, having confessed my need as a sinner for Christ’s redemption, this is the picture I have when I think about following Him.
As I follow Him, walking in His footsteps, it makes life easier, because He has prepared the path for me.
I don’t need to figure out the path, He has prepared the way for me to go. Proverbs 16:9 – “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
I find direction from His Holy Spirit through His word. Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
I am reminded in Proverbs 3:5-6 – that I am to “Trust in the Lord with all your [my] heart, and do not lean on your [my] own understanding. In all your [my] ways acknowledge him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Please note that God is the one who makes my way for me, I don’t need to carve out my own path in life. I need to simply keep putting my feet into His footsteps, and my life will be blessed.
I am reminded in John 14:16 – of Jesus’ words: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Since Jesus makes the path for each of us to come to His Father, He will continue to lead us as we follow Him.
As our Guide for life, His path is perfect for each of us. It is not trouble-free, because He knows the benefits we reap when troubles come our way. He promises to always accompany us in and through those trials. We simply need to remain in His footsteps.
Another picture I get when I consider following in His footsteps is that of a small child following in the big footsteps of his or her parent. The footsteps of the parent are obvious to the child who is attentive to following the parent. They provide comfort and remove fear and anxiousness because they are sure-footed.
God provides us with His clearly marked path through His word. His gift of the permanent indwelling of His Holy Spirit provides us with greater confidence and assurance of His unending presence in our lives.
Numerous promises in His word provide that confidence. One such promise is: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
When we walk in His footsteps, we walk in a lighted path, as promised by Jesus in John 8:12 – “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
When I stray from His path, I get into trouble, and my path becomes more challenging. I am apt to fall, and lose sight of the direction I should be going. I can end up on dangerous ground.
But God is prepared for my missteps, my sinful choices, and with His mercy and grace He leads me back onto His path, for His glory.
Please consider the promises for God’s true followers in Psalm 23:1-4:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. [If you feel like you are missing out on something, ask God to help you see that the truth is you lack nothing.] He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. [Please note the “He” in each of these promises.] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [Though I think I’m the one keeping step with Him, I realize that He is keeping me in His footsteps. This is evidence of His sovereignty. A mystery of how my choices mix with His supremacy!]”
To God be the glory for keeping me, and every one of His followers, on His path of righteousness!
There is no better path than the one God leads us on. If you are not yet following Him, through a relationship with Jesus, what are you waiting for? Please contact me at my email below so we can talk about a relationship with Jesus.
Living for Jesus, Donna
P.S. If this has helped you, please feel free to share it with others!
Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you.
Copyright 2022 Donna Shappy
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.
What a beautiful visual of walking in HIS footsteps! 💗