One of my favorite pastors once gave a great analogy of God’s joy in our walk of faith. He explained it like this…..
Say you are a parent and your baby girl is just learning to walk. As she struggles to take her first steps toward you, you stand patient and hopeful with arms open wide, ready to welcome her when she reaches you. She takes three or four good steps before toppling over, and you burst into a joyous celebration. You applaud the steps she was able to take. Your baby is WALKING! You wouldn’t dare be angry with her for falling. You understand that learning to walk is a process.
The same is true with our Christian walk, and I am more than certain that our perfect Papa is proud of His children for the steps we take toward Him and even more forgiving during our falls and failures.
When I read about the first disciples of Jesus, I see imperfect men who were made bold, courageous, and wise all by the power of the Holy Spirit. They were able to spread the Gospel like wildfire. I want that.
But God has been speaking to me and shining His beautiful light of truth on the darkness of insecurity that arises when I try to be more and do more for Him in my own strength. He is teaching me that I was chosen. He is reminding me that He is strong when I am weak. He is showing me that faith is a journey taken one step at a time. He is telling me that He loves me even when I’m slow to speak and quick to run. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate me from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither my fears for today nor worries about tomorrow– not even the powers of hell can separate me from God’s love. (Romans 8:38-39)
My question for you is…… Are you moving toward Him?
Maybe you’re running. Maybe you’re walking. Or maybe you’re still taking baby steps. Whatever your journey looks like, I can assure you that He is waiting for you to arrive with arms wide open, celebrating every step.
