Step By Step

Motivation.  It’s what makes us accomplish tasks we set out to do. It’s the driving force behind reaching our goals. When we take the steps necessary to meet the challenges ahead, it increases our confidence. That, in turn, motivates us to continue on towards meeting our goals. Goals are simply a vision of things yet to be.

You each have a goal.  Complete each phase of your training! But, in order to accomplish this task, you have to take the necessary steps.  Those steps are called “objectives”. Each phase of training will include mastering certain objectives.  In the end, when your goal is met, it will have come as a result of motivation to succeed. Step by step.  One objective at a time.  There will be moments when you wonder if you will ever complete the task.  You will feel exhausted, sore, tired of running and getting up early every day! But you keep the vision ahead of you…and motivation to complete the task will keep you going.  One step at a time. Towards a reward…victory!

I am reminded of our Christian walk.  We go from taking baby steps in being a new believer, to full strides of Christian witness and Biblical theology.  There are a lot of steps in between the two!  Each one taken moves you closer and closer to the goal of understanding and closeness to the Lord. Growth.

When you go on those 3K, 5K, 10K, and 15K foot marches, think about it.  Every step you will take gets you closer to your goal of finishing the march.  When you think you can go no further, somehow, you do.  You will eventually get to that finish mark.  And it will feel SO good!  Same with our growth as a Christian. Keep pressing forward toward the goal…eternal life with the Savior!  The ultimate reward!

Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” 

I think of a Christian praise song we hear often… “Every step I take, I take in You, You make me move Jesus, every breath I take, I breathe in You…”  That’s what I hope for each of you.  That you will take every step of this journey with Him. Completing the task before you with the strength and motivation He provides. He’s with you, you know. And you will arrive. Step by step.

Psalm 17:5 “My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.”

Just as you are in training now to serve your country, so we as Christians must always be “in training” to serve the Lord.  The Word of God speaks, teaches, comforts, and directs.

 “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

Ephesians 6:17 “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Hebrews 4:12 “For the Word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” 

 There are obstacles you will have to learn how to overcome to pass the training course.  Through mud, water, and sand you will trod. And there are spiritual obstacles that we must overcome as well. Our “mud, water and sand” are the temptations we choose to accept or not…..those things that make us turn away from God and His Word. Will we come out successful?  Will we stay strong and plunge through the course of our life, or will we get bogged down and stuck in the mud?  We have a choice every day.  Even though it’s not easy, keep moving. Don’t give up. Don’t let the obstacles win.  Keep that drive and determination to succeed at the forefront of your thinking!

Psalm 119:165  “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

Foot marches.  Obstacle courses.  Objectives. Goals. In training. Whether you are training to serve God or Country, it is seldom easy.  You are fighting a fight for freedom, be it earthly freedom from terrorists’ strongholds…..or eternal freedom from Satan’s plan to destroy. You can do it!  Step by step.

©Lucy Cain

2/7/05