Sometimes, steps can lead to uncommon sites.
Porter’s Creek Trail is popular in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The first mile of the trail is a wide gravel path that passes the remains of several old home sites surrounded by rock walls. In the middle of an odd area, a set of rickety stone stairs leads upward. As I climbed to the top, a small cemetery awaited me—a family cemetery from long ago with mostly illegible headstones.
The psalmist was confident God directed the steps of his followers. Delightfully, he walks along with his children as they traverse the steps of life.
Like the steps leading up to the old cemetery, life’s steps can be slippery, uneven, or solid. Had it recently rained, I would have scaled the ancient steps more carefully. The green moss on them would have slowed me down as well. I know what moss on a wet surface can do. Although some may have fallen on these particular steps, the steps have stood the test of time. Hundreds of years later, they still carry visitors to the old cemetery.
Our life steps will always lead somewhere. When ordered by God, a destination awaits—one that will be brighter than the spot we’re currently in if we let him lead us all the way through. On the way, the steps may take us through valley experiences, desert depths, and mountain peaks, but with God’s guidance, we don’t have to fear any of those experiences.
Whatever steps God takes us up, we can rest assured he precedes like a shepherd leading sheep to greener pastures. The shepherd has already been there, removed poisonous weeds, and checked for danger. While climbing the steps, God will be beside us. If we slip, he will pick us up. If we twist our ankles, he will mend the hurt.
God also designs the steps of life to test our character. Numerous biblical stories and countless testimonies by Christian saints relate it. God never concocts steps intended to destroy but to build up and make us stronger spiritually than we’ve ever been before.
As you climb the steps of life, remember who built them and that God designed them to lead you to a place of stronger character.
Father, I climb with confidence that what awaits me at the top will be better than what I’ve experienced below.
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