Learning to walk is challenging. As adults we don’t think about it much. We just get up and walk from point A to point B. Simple. Little effort. No thought. For a baby walking is exhausting and frustrating. A baby must think and plan his steps.
Have you ever watched a child learning to walk? It is a constant struggle, falling down and getting up again. A child needs strength, determination, and focus to be able to learn to walk. It does not happen over night for them. Day after day work; patience is involved.
My daughter is at that stage, wanting to walk. She knows what it takes. She knows what she needs to do yet she lacks some of the skills and coordination.
About a week ago we got one of those toys a child can walk behind. The first few times my husband and I tried to get her to take hold of it she cried. It was intimidating to her. Up until this point she has felt fully supported, holding our hands as she takes steps about the room. She felt safe and comfortable with that.
If it was up to her she would probably stay within that safety net for a long time. In reality, that would not be good for her. She needs to learn to do the work, take the steps. Falling is part of the process. It stinks, but as her parents we stand beside and cheer her on.
Last night, she grabbed a hold of that walker with fierce determination. First slow and cautious then faster and faster. Within minutes she was walking with that toy with confidence. She still fell a few times. Fear did not take her courage this time. She got back in the game, quickly. All the while her daddy and I cheering her on, encouraging her tender heart.
Watching my daughter last night reminded me of my relationship with God. Sometimes I know what I need to do. I hear Him calling yet the steps seem like work. Sometimes I don’t feel like I have the skills and coordination I need. I don’t feel like I have what it takes.
Moses felt the same way. He felt inadequate, unsure. He lacked confidence. God continued to call him to take steps. Moses continued to walk out of his comfortable and into God’s will. Moses fell down a few times. But God was there, cheering him on, giving him the tools he needed along the way.
Looking back I can see God’s faithfulness in my life as well. When I didn’t think I could take one more step he placed a walker before me. When I wanted to go back to my comforts He whispered that song of encouragement.
Our relationship with God is a process, a learning to walk in faith. It doesn’t happen over night. Step by step. Before we know it we will be walking confidently in His will. In the safety of His presence forever.
Exodus 4:10-12 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent. either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I a, slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” ESV
Moses example reminds me that God will encourage and do the same for me. But I cannot be taught unless I am walking with Him, listening to His voice, resting in, and trusting that whatever crosses my path is for my good. Good stuff to think about, Melissa. Thanks again.