Think back over the last 5 years. Have you purchased a new pair of shoes within that timeframe?
Were they for comfort? Elegance? Business?
Did you purchase them to match an outfit for a special occasion? Or were they for a more functional purpose, say boots to protect your feet on a hike?
Whatever the reason, I am guessing you have purchased shoes in the last 5 years. They all have a purpose and a means to an end.
Now take a moment to think back on the stages of life you’ve walked through. Grasp the pages of a mental photo album and flip through those walks of life.
Personally, I remember the light-up sneakers of childhood that helped me explore what it means to have adventures and build relationships with my siblings. I can recall the Old Navy flip-flops I wore on pool decks for the many years I spent training and learning discipline. There were the fins I wore in the pool that helped to propel me through the water and strengthen my legs. I remember the tan flats I wore nearly every Sunday of my teen years, those shoes taking me into a place where I began to grow in my understanding of faith.
Then there were the raw years—how neat that when I think of college I think of bare feet. College was where my faith was challenged and settled on solid ground, it was where shoes were set aside during Worship Nights and the Lord drew me closer to Him.
Then came the start of a new career and trusting God with all things—I wore heeled shoes for that phase. Then hiking boots for travel and finding the Lord in places I’d never imagined.
And today? Well, some days I wear boots, sometimes flats, but each day starts with a prayer for the Lord to guide my steps.
They each have a function and a purpose.
Now, what about you? Think back.
Have you worn the sleek shoes of a career woman? How about those comfortable athletic shoes for chasing after little ones? Do you perhaps you wear inserts to help comfort your feet as the years go by?
What I want you to see is that through each phase of life, the Lord was there. Think on that. Ponder it.
Can you see where He moved 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago? Do you see His faithful hand through the valleys and mountains of life?
Take a moment to thank Him for His faithfulness. Every step of the way He is there and will be forevermore. He equips each of us for all of our days, all we have to do is keep stepping out in faith, trusting the Great I AM.
“I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.” – Leviticus 26:12-13
Praise the Lord! Walk with Him, today and every day. Amen.
