One of my friends is recovering from a stroke. In order for her to take a step, my friend’s daughter shared an update in her family blog, “Mom is courageously partnering with her therapists to regain her ability to stand and pivot (with assistance) in and out of her wheelchair recliner and bed. And although she still has a long way to go, we have begun to see some steps in the right direction. We continue to believe pray and cheer her on in this hard work.” My friend is clinging to God’s promises in Scripture.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. (Proverbs 4:12, NIV)
36 You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. (Psalm 18:36, NIV)
23 The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24, NIV)
This month is a time in the year when many are taking new steps. My oldest grandson is graduating high school and will attend college in another state, almost 600 miles from home. A lot of time was spent filling out applications and financial forms along with visiting several universities. Now that his university choice has been chosen, his parents and I are clinging to God’s promise in Scripture.
9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps. ( Proverbs 16:9, NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
Did you know that each time you take a step, two hundred muscles work in unison to lift your foot, propel it forward, and set it down. It’s just one of the many thousands of tasks performed by the human muscular system. This network of over 650 muscles covers the body and is the reason we can blink, smile, run, jump, and stand upright.
The primary muscles used to take a step include the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, quadriceps , hamstrings, and gastrocnemius. The abdominal muscles also play a significant role in forward motion.
Taking a step is not always an outward journey. As Dr. John N. Oswalt explained in one of his daily devotionals, following God’s will is also an inward journey. Has God placed an idea in your heart to strengthen your relationship with Him? Maybe it is something as simple as committing to a daily devotional life. Or maybe God is challenging you to a new persistency in prayer for the world, or for your neighbors. Maybe He is calling you to a new physical self-denial. Ask God what is the next step He wants you to take. And when God answers, do not hesitate; take that step!1
https://easyscienceforkids.com
1Oswalt, John N. When Morning Gilds the Skies. The Francis Asbury Society, 2023.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made 