I watched him as he teetered. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking but the expression on his face proclaimed he had more confidence than he should. His loosened his grip. I held my breath. Setting his sight on where he wanted to be, he let go…momentarily suspended in air…only to wobble and fall.
I’m in awe of how fast my grandson is changing! He’s no longer as dependent on us as he was. He can crawl and get to whatever he wants now (whether he should or not)! He’s right on the verge of walking.
I’ve told my daughter and son-in-law that once he takes off they’d better be ready for an adventure! It certainly won’t be the only adventure they’ll embark on, though. His first day of school. Getting his driver’s license. Leaving him in his college dorm room. Seeing him hold a baby of his own. (sigh) And everything in between! Yes, life is a constant adventure!
And isn’t that true of our Christian life too? I hate to admit it, but in my adventure with God, confidence is what I proclaim to the world when in reality there are times I teeter into doubt. I don’t know about you, but I often feel wobbly when stepping out in faith and I see where I want to be spiritually but frequently fall short. Being a slow learner, it’s taking me a while to realize that when my eyes are on me (ugh! There are 6 “I’s” in the above paragraph…count them!) it’s easy to trip over my own performance and down I go! That’s when I’m reminded to look up!
The adventure of walking begins with baby steps and a firm grip on fingers of love. It takes time and encouragement. The adventure of walking with God? The same exact thing…..
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)
Trudging through difficulties at work or home? Treading into the unknown of an unexpected illness? Dreams and plans hit a bump in the road? Barely able to put one foot in front of the other? Or maybe you’re planning a wedding. Considering a new job. Looking forward to retirement. Tip-toeing where you’ve never been before. Shaky steps for sure! Listen to this….
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)
What a promise! God takes us from baby steps to walking… running… and even soaring! And have you noticed what I have? We don’t have to “tote” our performance. Our delight and hope in the Lord are enough. So, are you ready to step into the adventure? Yes, we may stumble, but when we grasp tightly to the hands of grace that loved us enough to go to the cross We. Will. Not. Fall.
Linking up with “livefreeThursday again this week. To read about more of life’s adventures click to go to http://www.tsuzanneeleer.com
