Staying in Step with our Father

I know some really good “steppers”. They seem to succeed at just about everything they set their steps toward. I heard a good old boy once remark “Ain’t no step for a stepper!” He was challenging someone to go for the dream they had but were discouraged by what it would take to make it happen. He was saying “You’re a stepper! So, step up and make it happen!” "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23) This scripture is meant for men and women. It describes us all and how much God delights in the steps that we take daily when we are in step with His steps. Jamie Grace sang this song: “You lead, I'll follow / Your hands hold my tomorrow / Your grip, Your grace, You know the way / You guide me tenderly/ When You lead, I'll follow / Just light the way and I'll go / 'Cause I know what You got for me / Is more than I can see / So lead me on, on, on and on." Psalm 37 was written by King David in the twilight of his life. He was writing from his experience of knowing and walking with God. He was looking back at his life of great victories and great failures. I've heard it said that we never learn much about ourselves during our times of victory, but who we are and what we're made of are in those times of failure when we're forced to look deep in our hearts. I realize that the emphasis of that scripture is on the GOOD man (or woman). When we give our heart to the Lord, we embark on a journey of a specific plan that God has willed for each one of His children. We didn’t come into the family of God to wander aimlessly in life. He had specific plans for us, but only if we align our steps to His, does His plans for us come to pass. I love the analogy of Christ as our Good Shepherd and we are supposed to be His GOOD sheep. He desires to take care of us and protect us, but remember that little renegade sheep that left the fold and wanted to do his own thing? The Good Shepherd didn't let him stray too far. More than anything, He wants us to be His GOOD sheep so that we are out of harm's way -- the enemy's way! In 1770 Irish statesman and philosopher Edmund Burke wrote: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” And that could be no truer than today. I think it’s time we GOOD men and women get our boots laced up and we step up to do what we can to be in step with God and His purposes. No more sitting idly by just watching the enemy be footloose on moral, family and life issues. Good people equal good steps and doing something about it – just like I said in the first paragraph of this blog. It “ain’t no step for a stepper” and with God’s help, we can step it up and be in alignment with His steps to help makes positive changes to our world. Lord, may we bring you great joy and pleasure as our ways and our steps are ordered, directed and guided by You. Amen.