I must admit it has been a challenging year for me in many ways. I confess that too many of those challenges I faced with my own wisdom, strength, and power. I'm convicted of my lack of faith. I did not lay those challenges down at the feet of Jesus soon enough. I also confess that, many times I tried to escape from the stresses and challenges using things, work, food and more. I know in my heart and mind they do not provide escape or solve the problems. They just lead to sin.

     God has been faithfully teaching me through it all. It is the little steps away from the Truth and away from full relationship with the Father that get us swept away. I have the lyrics of the Nickel Creek Song “Reasons Why” running through my head. Here are the ones that are resonating right now. “I don't remember one jump or one leap Just quiet steps away from your lead.” “We get distracted by the dreams of our own. But nobody's happy while feeling alone. And knowing how hard it hurts when we fall. We lean another ladder against the wrong wall.” God is faithful to us. He never leaves or forsakes His blood bought children. We are the ones that distance ourselves and try to do it our way. It is those little steps in thought, action, and belief that move us miles.

     The good news God has been teaching me is that is true in both directions. It is our faithfulness in the day to day moments that make the difference. God is faithful! Jesus provides the leading, strength, and most of all presence we need in our lives. We cannot do it with out Him. The problem is perspective. We either spend too much of ourselves focusing on the big picture and neglect the little steps to get there. On the other hand, we can be so focused on the challenge sitting in front of us now to see how small it is in comparison to the larger plan.

     I've found that regular mission trips help break me out of myself. It is a time to quiet my mind away from the distractions. It also helps me listen to the Lord's voice. I've had the pleasure of going on two mission trips to the small island community of Bocachica, Colombia. I hope, Lord willing, to go back in March (2010). The trip this past March was one I really need. The Lord gave me a morning free and I spent it in the Word thinking I would get to teach it later in the week. The teaching did not occur, but it was a sweet time and the Lord taught much. The real challenge is how to have those times in the midst of our busy lives.

    The name of the mission in Colombia is Proyecto Libertad (Project Freedom). It is a very appropriate title. We have freedom in Christ thanks to His life, death and resurrection. I know the fullness of this freedom will not be complete until we are in eternity. But we can wall in increasing freedom in Christ by daily taking those little steps with Him.

    God alone supplies the strength to take the little steps to walk in His freedom and service every day. We have to keep our eyes on His face daily. We need to spend time with Him in prayer and in the Word. If we keep our focus on His face, we will be following His lead and less likely to be distracted. Yes, we will stumble and fall. Yes, we will take steps away from His lead. But we need to confess, and ask Him to help us put our focus back on Him. His Word holds many promises about the daily walk of small steps. Let me share just two. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21)

     So let us encourage and exhort each other as we take the little steps each day in following Christ. That way we will through the Lord's strength, grace and provision finish the race well.

Geoffrey H. Gentry

08/05/2009