Following Footsteps Moments with God, Vol. 99
The snow and cold have never kept me from taking a trek into the woods. Monday morning, I headed for the Arboretum, a bit more bundled and definitely ready for an adventure. My feet crunched through layers of ice-covered snow as I made my way toward the woods. The beauty of the blankets of snow around me did not escape my notice. With the sun beaming in the sky, the snow sparkled as if tiny diamonds were sprinkled across the fields.
My car had joined only two other cars in the parking lot and judging by the lack of footprints on the trails, few had visited the Arboretum for many days. As I reached the path leading me into the deeper woods, I noticed only one other seemed to have followed that trail in recent days. I came to the portion of the trail where I would have to cross a stream, which is an adventure even without the snow. I was faced with rocks covered with a heavy layer of ice and snow as well as a fallen tree blocking part of the path.
As I pondered my next steps, I again noticed the footsteps that had gone before me. Rather than slipping under the fallen tree and precariously crossing the snow-covered rocks, the person had chosen a different route. The way did not seem any less precarious. There was still a fallen tree, and yet they seemed to have made it across. I had a choice to make. Would I turn back and leave my beloved trail, or would I move forward and follow in the steps another laid before me? Well, of course, I moved forward. Following in their steps, I heaved myself up on the tree that stretched across the stream. Crossing the snow-covered trunk without falling in, I arrived safely at the other side.
Sometimes it is nice to follow in the steps others have taken before you. Though the way may look dangerous, you see others have done it, and you know you can too!
My thoughts took me to Hebrews 11, where Paul records the stories of God’s people as they were faced with incredibly difficult situations. Their faith in God caused them to follow His path, even when they did not know or understand the plan. Paul offers their stories, so we can follow in their footsteps.
“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.” (Hebrews 11:4)
“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” (Hebrews 11:7)
“By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11)
“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” (Hebrews 11:17-19)
All followed God in faith, not knowing what was before them, but knowing God was with them. Though the way seemed dangerous or uncertain, as they trusted in God to guide their path, they were able to do what He called them to do. They have left us an example to follow.
We all experience different difficulties in life. We have choices to make and sometimes the way is so unclear. Sometimes, we simply do not know how to move forward. God has left us a Book of examples of those who have gone before us and led the way in faith. Their lives are recorded as a testament to the faithfulness of God through all the situations of life. God gave us footsteps to follow.
Are you at a crossroads? Have you come to the place where you need to make a choice and have no idea which way to turn? Look at the lives of so many who have gone before you. The men and women of the Bible faced some pretty difficult, impossible situations. Rather than stopping or turning back, they looked to God in faith and followed what He called them to do. Follow in their footsteps, and remember your footsteps are left behind for those who will follow you.
“Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.
May the fire of our devotion light their way?
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe?
And the lives we live inspire them to obey.
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.”
Find Us Faithful – Song by Steve Green
Click the link to listen to Steve Green perform “Find Us Faithful”