Footsteps

Day 7:


Today I went to church. God is always so good, and gave the best sermon today. I am also glad I read the chapter before hand about how God is the living water. I loved how He is so patient with us when we don't understand what he is trying to teach us. He doesn't give up on us.

Walking on a beach some time ago, I was impressed by footprints. It struck me that I could not see them while walking forward. It was only when looking back, that I saw my imprints. Turning around I noticed the shape of my high-stepping prints that had moved through loose sand. Other steps turned to avoid rocks, and had been distorted by a wave. Sometimes they moved in straight even lines; other times they were wiped clean by the incoming tide. So what's the big deal? It's only when we look back that we have the ability to see God's footprints too and appreciate where He has taken us. 

My mind went back to earlier points in life. I had not taken the time to track my personal path as I moved from a young adult into a profession, marriage, and parenthood. A move here, a loss there, and a drastic detour did not seem like God's direction. Along the way I encountered physical illness, loss of self esteem, and death of a dream.These issues looked like defeating, devastating wrong turns taking depressingly off track. 

Only in retrospect when looking back at each move did I discover that the wrong turns were used as a part of God's divine plan. If I've learned any lesson from footprints, it's to journal consistently, hold steady, and persevere even when the curve in the road is not what I expected. Then look back and be prepared to see the footprints of a sovereign God, taking me where I could never have dreamed to walk. 

Taken from the Overflowing study guide for Jan. 22, 2012

I thought it was really inspiring, so I wanted to add it in today's post.


At church there was a very encouraging video about two women's pasts on abortion. I don't know what else to say but I guess you had to be there. The stories were amazing and just proved the below two points.


Also at church I learned two key points.

1. Our past does not disqualify us from God's grace.

2. Our past can be used for God's glory.

Tonight I went to life group at my pastor's house. We all shared about our week, and I shared how God moved me this week and that I am blogging about it. While sitting there and listening to my friends talk, some of my past resurfaced. I am not entirely sure why, but will be praying about it.


Lord,
I praise you for this day. I praise you for the understanding of others. I praise you that our past doesn't disqualify us from Your grace and that it can be used for Your glory. I am so thankful for the friends in my life that you have blessed me with. I pray that you will give me the understanding about the past that has  resurfaced tonight. I know you will, you always do. Thank you for your spirit moving me. I pray for my friends tonight and healing for their hearts. I pray all these things in your name.


Amen.