Trusting God for the Next Step

​"You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." So said Martin Luther King, Jr. When I read this quote I thought about Bowman's Tower in Washington Crossing, PA. In 1929, the construction of the tower was begun on a site that may have been the lookout for George Washington before he and his troops crossed the Delaware River on Christmas eve in 1776 to march to Trenton and surprise the British army. When the tower was completed in 1931 as a commemoration of the American Revolution, it was a 125' tall stone tower with a 24-foot squared base and a spiral staircase of 124 steps. The tight spiral of the stairs requires one to keep climbing to see more stairs. The climb is arduous but certainly worth doing as there is a fourteen-mile view of the surrounding landscape and River that is breathtaking. A point of interest is that 28,300 seedlings were planted around the Tower after its completion to reforest the hill upon which it was built.
 
Taking the first step in any endeavor is the hardest part of getting started. For those who believe in the kingship of Jesus there is an element of trust involved in stepping out in obedience to what God desires. Psalm 9:10 puts everything into perspective. "Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 62:8 is similar. "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." Proverbs 16:20 gives further insight. "Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord."
 
Once trust is established, a journey begins that is accomplished one step at a time. Each step takes more courage and determination but also increases revelation. We must remember that the Lord has a path for us to walk. He does not leave us without assistance. In his discourse to his friends, Job asks a question:  "Does He not see my ways and count my every step?" (Job 31:4) Job's friend, Elihu answers this question when he declares, "His eyes are on the ways of men; He sees their every step." We are completely dependent upon the Lord to direct our steps. Proverbs 20:24 explains our journey. "It is the Lord who directs your life, for each step you take is ordained by God to bring you closer to your destiny. So much of your life, then remains a mystery!" This verse from The Passion Translation comes with a footnote. The Aramaic of the last part of this verse reads, "So what man is capable of ordering his ways?"
 
Great question!! "What man is capable of ordering his way?" We are totally dependent upon the Lord to set our course and direct our paths. One of the ways in which He helps us is through His Word. The Psalmist says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105) As we ready ourselves to take the next step toward our destinies, let us remember Proverbs 3:5, 6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." In addition, I would encourage you to pray a daily prayer that I believe will help us take our next steps. "Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life." (Psalm 143:8)