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In order to move forward, we must take steps. Each step is a building block for the next step, which leads you closer to the finish line - the completed goal.

Who orders our steps? God

“The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord.” (Psalm 37:23)

We must allow God to order our steps by submitting to Him.

Laying down our own desires and adopting His desires for our lives.

This requires a willful choice.

      When you move forward, you are growing from one level of growth to the next level. However, if you are not taking steps - moving forward - then you are doing one of two things:

(1) stagnating - remaining still and not going anywhere; or (2) digressing - moving backward.

      Taking steps toward completion of a goal is like walking. When you walk, you are constantly taking steps forward; constantly in motion. The steps you take when you walk get you from point A to point B.

      Moreover, as we allow God to order our steps, we remain focused and single-minded, rather than veering off the course that he has set for us. It is important that we remain focused and single-minded because if we veer from our God-given course by taking a wrong turn, we begin to take steps in the wrong direction. Therefore, we are no longer moving forward, but backward. We are no longer growing but digressing. Suppose your destination is Annapolis, Maryland and you see road signs - Route 50 - Washington, DC, and Route 50 - Annapolis, MD. Instead of going in the direction of Annapolis, MD you go in the direction of Washington, DC. Thus, you are off the course to Annapolis. You must make a U-turn to go in the right direction.

      In the course of life, once we veer off the course God has set before us, there is a way to get on the right course. Ask God for directions back onto the straight and narrow road that leads us on the path of His perfect will. The longer we continue to take steps backward, the longer it will take us to reach our final goal. Therefore, it is crucial that we allow God to order our steps so that we can remain on the straight and narrow road.

“This is what I told them: Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Only do as I say, and all will be well. But my people would not listen to me. They kept on doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward.”

(Jeremiah 7:23-24- NLV)

      “Stop right where you are! Look for the old godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path,

      and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!”

      (Jeremiah 6:16 - NLV)

 

Requirements for Staying on the Straight and Narrow Road are:

A. Diligence

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 - KJV)

“Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied..”  (Proverbs 13:4 NLV)

2. Prayer

            “Pray without ceasing.”  (I Thessalonians 5:17 -KJV)

3. Study the Word

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  (II Timothy 2:15 - KJV)

4. Fellowship With Other Believers

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his (Jesus Christ) coming back again is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25 NLV)

5. Praise and Worship

“I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  (Psalm 34:1 - KJV)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  (Psalm 119:105 - KJV)

 

Copyright Karmen A. Booker