Trusting God One Step at a Time

I was recently walking with my dog along one of the beautiful coastal paths in the south of England. I had been advised of a good route which would give me glorious views. However, I was also warned that one part of the walk involved a very steep descent, followed by a rigorous upward climb. As I walked along the flatter part, on cliffs overlooking the sea, instead of enjoying the views and the easy walk, I started to be apprehensive about the steep part of the path that would be coming. I was wondering if I would manage it, and this concern was threatening to spoil my enjoyment of the rest of the day.

I realised that this is often what happens in our lives. We can start to worry about possible difficulties ahead, and this can distract us and prevent us from living in God’s peace in the present. Jesus tells us: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34).

In the same passage, Jesus promises that God will provide for all our needs if we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness. He also taught the disciples to pray for daily bread (Matthew 6:11). And the apostle Paul tells us not to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6), but to pray about everything with thanksgiving.

Once I realised on the hike that I was apprehensive about what lay ahead, I repented and let go of those thoughts. I decided to trust the Lord for the steep path ahead, and I began to enjoy the walk again. When I came to the difficult part, I just took one step at a time, focusing on the next foothold, and in quite a short time I found myself at the top of the cliff! The actual climb was not nearly as hard as I had imagined it would be.

Apprehension and worry can grow in the mind and rob us of the joy and peace that Jesus wants to bring. When that happens, we need to: “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and choose to trust the Lord for every part of our lives, one step at a time.

Prayer: Lord, I am sorry for the times I have allowed worry about the future to take hold in my life (mention any particular concern you have at this time …). I choose to trust You with every detail of my life, walking with You one step at a time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.