Step by Step
Hello All,
The idea of steps has been intriguing me recently. I have a writer friend who is in the process of writing two different books, both dealing with the topic of steps. One about literal steps and the other about figurative steps.
One of the most recognizable health programs uses a twelve-step process. There are steps to take to assemble furniture, create a meal, exercise steps. And even the way we walked is called steps- which is where the idea of steps for everything else probably originates. Anywhere you look there are steps to complete any process you can think of.
So many common phrases revolve around the idea of steps, “That’s the first step” “Step by Step” “Took a wrong step.”
Everything in my life anyway is a step-by-step process. But sometimes I get overwhelmed thinking about the steps. I get anxious whether I am following the right steps or if I am doing them in the right order. It's also scary when the steps that were laid out for me as a child, are not the actual steps of my life. It throws the whole “staircase” into disarray.
Growing up, I thought I knew what the steps of my life would be. Go to college, get a good job, get married, have kids. These were the steps that I thought would lead me to a happy and successful life. Through the years these steps didn’t happen and I felt stuck on the steps of life.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9. I can plan my steps, but if they are not in line with God’s steps it doesn’t matter.
It took me several years to realize I wasn’t stuck on the steps, I was just trying to walk up the wrong staircase. My own staircase, not God’s. The great thing about the steps of life, is that everyone has their own staircase to walk up. Nobody's staircase looks exactly the same.
Sometimes these steps of life get too steep, and we will need to ask others to walk alongside us. For so long I refused to invite others into my pain, my hurt, or my life. It felt like a weakness, and I convinced myself that I should not burden anyone with my problems since everyone had their own things going on. In the last six months, God has given me safe people that help me to realize this isn’t true. In fact, this week, God proved to me once again how we need people. I was feeling anxious about a certain situation that was happening, and as soon as I asked for prayer from my mentors, I felt peace.
We are commanded by the Lord to help each other. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2. The steep steps are always going to be a part of life, but God doesn’t expect us to climb them by ourselves. He is always with us and gives us other believers to rely on.
So, yes, steps are a part of every aspect of life. Steps make life manageable. For me it allows me to take small actions that lead to bigger goals. It is so comforting to know that not only is God guiding my steps, but I have people who help me climb the big, uneven steps.
If you are ever struggling with the steps you are at in your life, please reach out to trusted friends and family to help you. I promise when you lean on others around you and God, the steps become more manageable. Also when you feel God leading you up a staircase that deviates from your plan, take His staircase. I spent years rooted on my own staircase but when I finally changed course, I found abundant blessings. The right steps make all the difference.
Much love,
Victoria