The Welcome Valley Reader
Stepping Toward God
By Ervin Witmer
Most of us haven’t thought about how risky it is to walk since we were toddlers. As we stood unsteadily alone and contemplated our first step, it seemed uncertain at best. Eventually we risked a tumble and launched into that first step. Those who loved us lavished us with praise and cheered us on with each subsequent step. Since then, walking has become routine and each step is taken for granted.
I recently was reminded of how significant each step really is when I developed a knee problem and walking involved pain. I became aware of every step I took. I began again to appreciate the challenge that went into each step.
Stepping along through life we don’t realize how important each step is until we miss a step and tumble to the ground. If we miss a step in our education, we arrive on graduation day with a meaningless diploma. If we miss a step in our careers we miss opportunities for promotion. If we miss critical steps in our relationships we experience friendship gone awry. While all these missteps are crucial, there is none so crucial as a misstep towards God.
Is there a step towards God that you are hesitating to take? When we take a step it means lifting one foot and momentarily standing alone on the other. That momentary unsteadiness is God’s way of urging us to lean more heavily on Him. He reaches out His hand to us to offer His stability. Think of it as a stairway to heaven with Him as the banister. Each step brings with it uncertainty, change, and a certain amount of fear. This in turn motivates us to reach for the banister. When you see that next step coming, reach out to God in prayer and lean heavily on Him. When you get there, rest a bit and get ready to take the next step up. As you ascend, you will find yourself getting closer and closer to God and farther and farther from the world. Why remain comfortable with the step you’re on when another step gets you that much closer to Him?
© Ervin Witmer. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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