Over the summer, I’ve found that my physical activity has picked up quite a bit. I’ve visited some places that required a lot of walking, I’ve spent more time playing outside with our kids, and I’ve even started back on a running routine.
Like a lot of people, I have an app on my phone that counts the number of steps I take, so I’ve found it interesting to see how high I can get that number to climb. As I check my step count, I often announce to my family how many steps I’m accumulated. Our five-year-old son has even started asking, “How many steps did you take today, Daddy?”
A lot of us track our physical activity by using a pedometer, smart phone, Fitbit, or some other device. While this can certainly be beneficial, we should ask ourselves this question: Are we just counting our steps or are we making our steps count?
The psalmist David wrote, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23, NKJV). You see, God wants to direct our steps if we will allow Him. Our prayer should be as David’s: “Cause me to know the way in which I should walk” (Psalm 143:8). I would rather take 10 steps in the will of God than 10,000 outside of His will!
The prophet Isaiah explained it this way: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV). While I have never heard the audible voice of God, I do believe He speaks to me. He guides me through Bible scriptures, ministers, fellow believers, the way of integrity, and spiritual thoughts and desires. It’s important that I pay careful attention when I feel God speaking to me. He is wanting to direct my steps, but it’s up to me to obey.
Earlier this year, I felt God guiding me to take some specific steps of faith, but I was hesitant to move forward. I was nervous, because it involved stepping outside of my “comfort zone.” However, the desire did not go away, and I eventually broke through the apprehension to take action. When I finally obeyed God, I felt such an excitement to know I was walking in His divine will. He was making my steps count!
Indeed, we live in difficult times, and it has never been more important that we listen closely for God’s voice and be diligent to obey. Solomon wisely advised, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:6, NKJV). The key is to “acknowledge” the Lord.
We should give God our attention. We should continually pray and ask Him for guidance. Before we make important decisions, we should inquire of the Lord. Monitoring our physical activity is good, but our primary concern should be our spiritual condition. Are we listening to God and walking in His will?
The apostle Paul declared, “I run with purpose in every step” (1 Corinthians 9:26, NLT). He knew his life had meaning and significance, and you should know the same about your own life. You can run with purpose in every step as well!
Know that God has a plan for you, and it’s a plan that’s good. The only way you’ll ever have true fulfillment is to follow His plan. So surrender your life to Jesus, seek His will, and make your steps count for Him!
Reflections 