One Step at a Time
“When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.” Joshua 4:1-3
Insight
We often equate faithfulness with tangible results, thinking we must be doing something wrong if we don’t see immediate progress. But the truth is, faithfulness isn't about grand gestures or overnight transformations. It's about taking one step at a time, trusting that God guides our path even when we can't see the entire journey ahead.
Think about the heroes of faith in the Bible. Noah didn't build the ark in a day. Abraham didn't become the father of nations overnight. Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years. These stories remind us that faithfulness is a journey, not a destination.
Sometimes, life throws storms our way that threaten to shake our faith. But what if we approached these challenges with a posture of expectation? Instead of cowering in fear, we can see storms as opportunities for our faith to grow stronger. When we trust God is present in our difficulties, even the fiercest trials can catalyze more profound belief.
Remember that just because we don't know the whole picture doesn't mean God isn't working. Often, His greatest works happen behind the scenes in ways we can't immediately perceive. Our job is not to understand everything but to trust and obey, one step at a time.
There may be moments when following God's leading feels foolish by worldly standards. Perhaps He's calling you to forgive someone who's hurt you deeply or to pursue a path that doesn't make sense on paper. Take heart! What feels foolish now may become a powerful story of faithfulness later. Even when it doesn't make sense, our obedience can be the very thing God uses to showcase His glory and transform lives.
As we walk this path of faith, something beautiful happens: we become more personal in our relationship with Jesus. Faith isn't just about believing in a set of doctrines; it's about knowing and following a Person. The more faithfully we pursue His way, the more intimately we come to know Him.
This personal pursuit of God's Kingdom can transform us from the inside out. It reshapes our priorities, refines our character, and aligns our hearts with God's purposes. We begin to see the world through His eyes and love others with His heart.
Lastly, let's not underestimate the power of remembrance. Throughout the Bible, God's people set up memorials to commemorate His faithfulness. These physical reminders kept them focused and faithful, especially during challenging times. In our own lives, we can create memorials—whether through journaling, sharing stories, or establishing traditions—that remind us of God's past faithfulness and encourage us to keep walking in faith.
As we continue this journey of faithfulness, remember that it's not about flawlessly executing a grand plan. It's about taking the next right step, trusting that God is with us, working in and through us, even when we can't see or understand His ways.
Reflection
What is one small step of faithfulness that God might be calling you to take today?
How can you create a "memorial" to remind you of God's faithfulness during challenging times?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness to us. Help us to trust You even when we can't see the complete picture of what You're doing. Give us the courage to take one faithful step at a time, knowing that You are always with us. Transform our hearts as we pursue Your Kingdom, and may our lives testify to Your goodness and grace. Amen.