Watching Your Step

I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was doing my laundry in the barracks, minding my own business, when I was taken from the reality of my washing to the reality of the spirit realm. There before me was absolute darkness, so dark I could not distinguish anything around me. Then a familiar voice came from everywhere, a voice that I knew, my Father asked, "Do you want to know how to follow?"

I was struggling with some things in which I needed clear direction from God. I had no idea what to do, no plan I could execute, and I was feeling overwhelmed. I had spent much time in prayer, but the direction eluded me, or so it seemed. Then, when I was not really looking for it, my answer came. As I closed the lid on the washer it was "lights out."

I remember saying, "You know I do, I want to know what to do." As the words came forth the area beneath my feet lit up. I could see nothing but my two feet in a halo of brilliant white light. I remember thinking, "I know where I am, but where am I going?" Again the Father's voice spoke gently to me, "Step out."

I had no idea what I was going to step into, but, at His word I lifted my foot. Immediately the light under my foot went out and a new light lit the place where I would step. I remember it being such a cool thing that I just sat and enjoyed it for a minute. Then I picked up my other foot, and the same thing happened. I never thought about what was around me, what was beyond that next footfall, or where the journey would lead. I was taken with the next step.

Suddenly, I was once again in the laundry and heard the thud of the washer lid. Isn't it funny how the realm of the spirit is not limited by time or space. As the noise of lid echoed through the tub of the washer I asked, "But where am I going, what am I to do?" I got no answer as such, but heard a friends voice singing as song that has followed me for more than 20 years. The words are that of the psalmist, ...

"The steps of the righteous man are ordered of the Lord, and he delights in His way." (Ps. 37:23)

I am thankful I did not know all of the ins and outs of the path that lay ahead of me. It would have terrified me to see some of what I have faced, and it could have caused me to be discouraged and quit, but God had other plans. As I sit at this keyboard, I can truthfully say that the Father has been faithful in leading me in paths that have been for His glory and my blessing. When I have stepped into the lighted marks, I have seen Him come through mightily on my behalf. When I tried to do it my way, ignored His direction, or failed to seek the next step, I have always paid a price. But, even then, the Father has been always ready to forgive my failings and restore me to the path He has set before me.

I have watched others who have found the Father's lead to be all they need. They are amazing men and women of God. Would that we would all take this in its simplicity, follow His lead, and change our world for His glory.