Life Plan Devotion #46 [next step]

Hi, Everyone.
I give the background for today's devotion in the first paragraph, so I'll just say here that I love hearing from you, about what God is doing in your life.

Life Plan Devotion #46 [next step]

     As I was praying about where the Lord would have us go, after finishing the F.I.R.S.T. Place mini devotional yesterday, I kept "hearing" the words "next step." Each time I'd pray, "Yes, Lord. That's what I'm asking. What is the next step?" Again, I'd hear, "next step." Well, it finally clicked with me that He was giving me the content of today's devotion...next step. I'm a little slow, sometimes.
     I remember when each of my children learned to walk. I'd get them to stand up, then I'd kneel a few feet in front of them and say, "Come to Mommy," holding my arms out and smiling (perhaps bribing them with a toy). Inevitably, the child would take a wobbly step and then promptly fall down. Each time the "game" was repeated, though, the child would take one more step than the time before, until, finally, he/she was walking. Precious memories.
     What's the next step for you, that you need to take? God has a plan for your life, and He's right there, to help you take the next step. Perhaps life is dark right now, and you can't even see to take one step. Know that He "will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). Yes, it does take faith to step where all seems dark, but as Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

Psalm 37:23-24
"The LORD delights in the way of the man whose steps He has made firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand."

What this has to do with weight loss: There are steps to success in the weight-loss journey. Many of them are well-known, but some of them are different, tailor made to the individual's weight-loss journey. When you're at a weight-loss journey crossroads, and you're not sure which way to go next, ask the One who knows what's ahead. He will order your steps.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are times when I'm not sure which way to go or what is the next step in Your plan for me. Those are the times when I most rely on You to help me know what to do. I thank You that You have promised never to leave me nor forsake me. Thank You that Your promises are true, and You are a God of Your Word. I lift my hand up to You, and I ask You to take hold of it and lead me on to the next step of my journey. According to Your Word (Proverbs 3:6), I acknowledge You in all my ways, and I know You will direct my path. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Go forth today, taking the next step illumined by the light of The One Who Is The Light Of The World.

Blessings,
Mary

Thanks Mary. This very topic has been on my heart and mind recently. It's not just my Weight loss that I need to plan for but my life in general. My sons will be leaving for college in August and honestly I'd never imagined having an empty nest. (Neither had ever been interested in furthering their educations).

I'm also in a new relationship that I never in a million years saw coming. This guy (and his kids) have pretty much swept me off my feet. I know that everything happens for a reason and I feel that God has taken the last 7 years to prepare me for this.  

It is about taking the next step. I have to trust that I've raised my children to know the Lord and that He will lead them from here on out - he always has. I just have to let go. I'm also trusting that God has prepared me for this new relationship and He will be the guiding force within it, knowing that we're making plans to spend the rest of our lives together.

Thanks again for a wonderful post.
- Iris

Hi, Iris.
How wonderful to hear from you, to know that the Lord is leading you in a new path. Your sons will be fine, because the Lord will go with them. You will always be their mother, and now it looks like the Lord is preparing you to mother some new children. He is directing your path, and it's going to be exciting. God bless you, as you acknowledge Him.
Blessings,
Mary