Establishing My Steps

When I was a kid, it seemed every adult asked me at least one time, “What are you going to be when you grow up?” Honestly, I have no idea what I told them, but I am sure my imagination went wild. During the time being questioned, I probably dreamed of being a doctor, a basketball player, or becoming the CEO of my own company. Well, maybe not the CEO. I don’t think I knew what that was, but I imagined running stuff.  

All of these childhood dreams gathered dust as I made my career choice in college, chose the place I would call home, and even when I met new friends. The beauty of all of this is that I got a chance to plan my career and a lot of my life. Sure, I made wrong turns and poor choices. But I still kept planning as I moved forward.  

Reflecting On My Path

The other day I saw a Bible verse printed on a black-and-white photo. A person’s silhouette walked on a path and the verse read, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NIVUK). 

I read this text before but this time it looked different as I reflected on the path that I had taken. It took a lot of steps to get where I am. I thought to myself, “Over these years, God has been busily establishing every step that I took along the way.”  

Does that mean I planned to write and God worked into my character the discipline of being patient while I painstakingly learned the process? Did it mean that through having a family and raising kids, I learned to be less selfish and more giving? Did it mean that as I traveled to unknown places, that God was right there to show me how to trust Him through every flight, every train ride, and every unknown adventure?  

Over the years, I have been and still continue to plan my life as God establishes my steps. And with each step, He teaches me to be more than I ever could be. He develops contentment in me whatever the circumstance. He’s working patience in my character with every step I take. Also, He is teaching me the art of endurance through trials and so much more.  

Although I still dream about plans, I am becoming more aware of His steps in my life to make me over so that I reflect His character. 

If you enjoyed this, you might also like Small Steps | If We Acknowledge God, Will He Direct Our Paths?

Pamela Williams writes from Southern California.

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