One Step at a Time

Job 23:11 (NKJV)
My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.

1 Peter 2:21 (NKJV)
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

Have you ever looked back and thought to yourself: “I would never have imagined doing this ten years ago.”

If someone were to have asked me several years ago to speak to a group of 500 men and women in Haiti, I would have said, no, I’m sorry, I only teach children.  However, as I took one small step at a time, God led me to do exactly that, and much more.  

What skill or talent do you have?  Are you able to take a broken down car and bring it back to life?  Do you look at a cookbook and get excited to try new recipes? Perhaps you are one of those who really understands the computer; you know more than how to work the programs, you actually know the mysterious computer language that makes them work. 

Likely, you were not born with the knowledge and proficiency to perform in your area of expertise. It took hours of instruction, practice, and hard work to accomplish the skill you have today.  Likely you started by learning one task or principle at a time, and then you moved on to something more difficult.  You were not expected to perform with the skill of a licensed mechanic when you started out.  You were not expected to cook with the skill of the chefs on the latest reality TV shows, and you were not expected to be a Bill Gates (Microsoft owner) or a Mike Lazaridis (Co-founder of Blackberry).  

My path to leadership seems to have started with saying yes to one request.  “Debi, would you consider letting your name stand to be the secretary for the District Women’s Ministry committee?”

I certainly was not saying yes to becoming president of that organization, nor was I saying yes to being the Director of the National Organization.  At that time in my life I would never have said yes to speaking to groups of men and women, or leading mission teams to Haiti and Romania.  I said yes to a job I knew I could do, and with an organization in which I had interest.

My journey began with a willingness to take one small step.  I did not realize where that first step would lead.  It happened slowly and naturally, without much effort on my part. 

“Holding fast to His steps” gives me confidence that Christ has been there before, and He will be with me through the journey. When I follow His steps, I know I will not be going the wrong way.

No matter who you are, if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, God has started you on an incredible journey.  Continue this journey by saying yes to the small opportunities He presents.  He will help you acquire the skills you need. He will begin to bring the right opportunities to prepare you for service and ministry.  When you look back in a few years, you will be amazed at how God has used you, and where He has led you.

“Step by Step He’ll lead me….”

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