Have you ever thought about where your footprints have been? When you picture yourself walking on the beach and you look back, you see where you’ve been, the memories of each step revealing stories of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. As well, have you ever thought about what you were thinking with each of those footsteps? Were you contemplating the beauty of nature surrounding you, or perhaps how to share Christ with that co-worker? Were you focused on your grocery list, planning meals for the week? I know I wouldn’t be able to tell you every thought that crossed my mind during those moments. One thing I DO know about walking on rough terrain is the pain and aggravation of the tiniest pebble getting into my shoe! It’s remarkable how something so small can disrupt your journey. Just as an oyster develops a pearl from a grain of sand irritating it, so can the tiniest pebble create a painful blister.

But let’s look at this pebble with different eyes for a moment. The Lord impressed upon my heart, asking me if my testimony to others produces a pearl or a blister? Is my testimony loud and clear to someone who is seeking the Lord, possibly creating a pearl? Or am I standing in God’s way, being the annoying pebble and hindering someone from coming to salvation! We have all heard that our actions speak louder than words at times. I would hate to be the cause of someone not coming to salvation. I can remember the first few times I went to church as a believer, I was easily distracted by others’ movements or them whispering to their spouse. I lost my concentration and all I could do was focus on the distraction. Has this happened to you as well? Now slip that shoe onto the other foot and imagine if you are the one distracting someone who is seeking!

1 Peter 2:21-22  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:  (22)  Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

Jesus, however, was flawless! Although His footsteps walked rugged ground, nowhere is it recorded that He complained. The outcome of each of his walks was to preach the Gospel of His Kingdom. He created no distractions but each word was thoughtfully planned and spoken to reach the center of the heart! What a beautiful lesson for us. Following in Christ’s footsteps is not an easy task but one that we can learn as we grow in Him. His Holy Spirit guides and leads us in the direction we need to go. The Spirit also gives us the words so that we don’t muddy the waters with our own opinions. We sure do see a LOT of that today, don’t we? Today’s hymn is sweet! It’s a gentle reminder that no matter where we walk with the Lord, on mountains or valleys, we are there for a purpose.

Footprints of Jesus – By M.B.C. Slade (1871)

1 Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,
“Come, follow Me!”
And we see where Thy footprints falling,
lead us to Thee.

Refrain:
Footprints of Jesus that make the pathway glow;
we will follow the steps of Jesus where’er they go.

2 Though they lead o’er the cold dark mountains,
seeking His sheep,
or along by Siloam’s fountains,
helping the weak. [Refrain]

3 If they lead through the temple holy,
preaching the Word,
or in homes of the poor and lowly,
serving the Lord. [Refrain]

4 Then at last, when on high He sees us,
our journey done,
we will rest where the steps of Jesus
end at His throne. [Refrain]

What is your purpose, Reader? Will you walk down that road chosen by God for you, and be like the irritating pebble, complaining about your lot? Or will you stick close to the Saviour and have a testimony that will cause the observer to become a pearl as a result?

Colossians 2:6-7  As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  (7)  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

John 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

If you have come upon this blog by accident, I pray you have found solace and peace here. If you want to walk with Christ and learn His ways, follow this link and be saved. Being born again means you will have a new life; your sins will be forgiven … all of them … no matter how vile or how bad they are! Trust in Christ!