Those who knew my father knew that “fishing” ran a close second to “loving God.”  Yes, he loved his family, but we soon learned that spending time with Dad meant  “going  fishing.”  The only time I ever played hooky from school was the spring day that Dad told our family, “It’s too nice a day to go to school. We’re goin’ fishin’.” Anyone that ever went fishing with my dad also knew that he never stayed in one spot long. If he didn’t get a nibble on his line in ten minutes, he started walking along the creek bank looking for another  fishing hole.  If he had no luck on one side of the stream, he would cross to the other side.

When the creek was high from rains, he would cross by walking on a fallen log that spanned the water. When the water was low, he would find a shallow place and cross on rocks that protruded from either still or swift-flowing water. I balked at crossing on the logs but often followed him across the stream on the stepping stones. He would say, “Mart, step where I step.”  He selected stones that my short legs could reach, and I would finally make the last jump to the bank, proud that my feet were still dry.” Sometimes, though, as we neared the other bank, I would see a couple of other rocks that looked bigger and easier to leap to and I would choose those rocks rather than the ones he had chosen.  You can guess the rest of the story. I would either be stuck on a rock and wailing or end up with wet feet.

We often do that with God. He orders the steps of our lives in ways suited to our particular stride and ways that will enable us to safely reach a distant goal. Whether it be the completion of a work he has given us to do or the completion of our life,  he wants to show us the best way to go.  Instead of patiently following his steps, though, we rush to complete the work in our own way, or we take a path that seems a little easier and we find ourselves in a mess or stranded and wailing, “Help!”

God’s Word emphasizes the importance of following his steps.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21
LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. Jeremiah 10:23
A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?  Proverbs 20:24
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.
Psalms 37:23

Martha Hawn VanCise©
Photo: Martha VanCise