God had carefully ordered steps that have ultimately taken me to places I never dreamed of.  He plucked me from the desert and planted me by streams of living water and set me free to know, live, and speak the truth. I can honestly say that if I died tomorrow, I have lived a full life.  In fact, I’ve been saying that for close to 20yrs now and His abundance continues to amaze me daily. 

I still plan but the steps I take are according to His leading.  I don’t fight Him nearly as much as to the placement of each. For My eyes have seen His masterful handiwork and in all the steps I wouldn’t have taken I would have lost out on these blessings:

I wouldn’t have been blessed with the most amazing wife ever

I wouldn’t have had 22 amazing children

I wouldn’t have traveled the world speaking and serving others. 

I wouldn’t have seen many give their lives to Christ. 

Yes! Praise God for His beautiful ordering of steps in my life; whether through valleys or over mountains, they have all resulted in His glory!  What an amazing God and Father we have!

Reflection

Spend a few moments thinking about the times when God has ordered your steps. 

What was the end result?

What did you learn from it?

Prayer

Father, Thank you for all of the “wouldn’t have’s” that I’ve been able to enjoy!  Continue to align my heart with Yours that I may enjoy every one of your steps.  Thank you for Your patience as I discover more and more who You are and how You work in my life.  May Your name be praised forever, Amen!

Too often we get worried and upset about one step we or our children have taken.  In light of this verse, I ask myself why am I worrying?  Everyone knows that that A plan is just an idea; the steps are what take you somewhere. 

I had a plan to hit 6 figures by 25, drive an SUV, have a house with a pool, and be a top executive.  Though my plans were solid and I hit them, God was patiently ordering my steps in another direction.

Likewise I had a plan to transition to full time ministry. That happened. When the LORD reordered my steps, I was frustrated, angry, and bitter toward those who “recommended” my resignation with no justification or cause. In hindsight, what man meant for evil, God meant for good. He has the power to cause ALL things to work together for good. What you are going through now as frustrating, painful, and gut-wrenching as it is, can be turned to something greater than you’ e ever imagined.

If you would have asked me 15 years ago what I would be doing now, I wouldn’t have said, I would be a father of 22 children, grandfather of 11, and be touching thousands of lives.  As a matter of fact, I would have laughed out loud and called you crazy.

By ordering each step, in His timing, God can accomplish amazing things through you! Don’t miss the forest through the trees. Keep seeing and trusting. He is at work!

Personal Reflection

Think back on your life. What steps have been ordered by God and what has been the result?  Take time to praise him for all he is done in and through you.

Prayer Focus

Thank you great and mighty Father for your patience and careful ordering of our steps.  The life You have given us has been challenging, has caused us to depend on You, and has proven to be full of joy.  May we seek you always and lift Your name on high! In Jesus Name, Amen!