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"The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time." – Abraham Lincoln
Psalm 37:23-24 – The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand. (NASB)
In the dining room of our assisted living facility, one of my tablemates told me that she had recently received instructions from her physician to begin an exercise and diet program. She was assigned a dietician who recommended a step exercise routine.
The initial objective of the step program was set at 10,000 steps a day. However, depending on prior physical activity, benefit is optimized when the body increases endurance one step at a time.
My friend began her walking exercise with the goal of 2,000 steps a day. Each day had its own challenges; some days she would do more steps, and other days fewer, with the aim of getting to the final goal or rising above it.
With the incremental increase of my physical challenges, I, too, am learning to take one step at a time.
Zechariah 4:10a – Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. (NLT)
This experience caused me to consider my personal spiritual growth. This is not optional or marginal in the Christian life. God is not done with His work when we first believe and are saved. He intends to shape us into the image of Christ day by day. Every person who is obedient to the Spirit of Christ is increasingly transformed into His likeness.
Philippians 1:6 – And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (NLT)
Consider this: How are we progressing in our own spiritual growth?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, assist us to grow through prayer, becoming students of Your Word, sharing the blessings of our spirituality, and giving You the glory by our speech, behaviour, and worship. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Thanks for the good word, Parise.
Good one Parise! Keep up the good work.
Blessings.
Hi Parise
So nice to hear from you. Your words are so true. Amen to your prayer.
God bless you for writing and sending us this encouraging devotional today. Blessings.
Dear Parise,
Thank you for reminding me that the Lord does not despise the small beginnings.
Hi Parise,
A very good devotional, one step at a time.
Thank you for writing.
This is a lovely devotional Praise. Thank-you for sharing.
Blessings on your day today.
(Ontario)
Thank you, Parise. Your devotional brings to mind that age old (action) hymn we learned in Sunday School … “Read your Bible, Pray every day”.
May you have a good year ahead.
Dear Parise
It was so good to hear from you again. Thank you for your wise words and motivation.
God bless you dear sister in Christ.
Some truly wise thoughts but hard to do!
And Jesus said “Take no thought for tomorrow He didn’t mean don’t plan, he meant don’t worry! For me a big part of “one step at a time”.
I have an active mind and a physically challenged body and often they don’t match up!
Thanks for sharing.
My Dear Parise, I’m so happy to hear from you today. My “Sister” from church has a single school teacher who has adopted 4 girls with a variety of disabilities from various countries including one who is mongaloid and full of life. I was with her today and had fun teaching her how to say some words and she did great.
She’s staying on line in school in 2nd. grade. All this to say that she ran out to my car to greet me and when she saw my cane that excited her and she wanted to help me. I told her to put her hand by mine and we walked together safely. You keep on with the number of steps that are right for you and the Lord blesses each one you. God loves you so much and so do I.
Thank you, Parise. This is a good reminder to keep an eye on our Spiritual growth by exercising the gifts God gives us, (and taking the good doctor’s advice is very good for me personally). Laziness is not a nice word but if we are not watchful it can creep into every area of our lives.