For When You're Tired of "The Steps"

There are so many blog pieces that try to give us steps to overcome certain issues in life. 5 steps to do this, 10 steps to that, How to blah, blah, blah…

I’m sure if I look back in my archives I have a few like that as well. However, if there is anything I’ve learned about Christianity, it’s that there is nothing quick or easy that will work. Practicing the word is our only hope, and it’s hard!

This morning I read “Be holy for I am holy.” (See 1 Peter 1:16) I love those words. I am so grateful I have the ability to obtain life through the blood of Christ. I find peace in the fact that I am able to work towards holiness every single day because of His sacrifice on the cross.

But I need to tell you something… Not one of us is perfect. We will fall down. Whether it’s from self inflicted sin or pain from some kind of suffering, we will each struggle with our footing, and the number of “steps” it takes to stand back up is unique to each individual.

There is one commonality.

Christ.

Christ died to save us, He loves us, and He wants us to believe in Him while handing over our burdens. When we fall, He doesn’t want us to stay down. He wants us to stand back up in the power of His might, giving glory to His name. He wants us to overcome because of what He already overcame. How we accomplish that may be different for each of us, but believing Him and trusting in His will is what gives us strength as we work through the process.

The more I study, the more I use the word process. And, the more I use that word, the more I dislike it. If something is a process, it usually hurts. It almost always takes time and tears are usually shed at some point.

I wish I could tell you there are three easy steps to stand back up. I can’t. I can tell you what has worked for me, and there will be times I do that, but I want you to know that how we connect with God and where we find Him within specific circumstances are unique to each life.

We have to believe, we have to have faith and hope and love while practicing the word. Yes. But we also need to listen to His Holy spirit as He speaks individually to each heart. He pours out strength and gives comfort and peace in the moments we spend alone with Him.

Standing back up after a fall is never easy. Grief hurts. Shame tries to hold us down. Our hearts all break in different places and there is no quick fix for any of it.

Friend, just keep going. Keep trusting and continue listening for His voice in your life. You will hear it.

I suggest reading His word. It’s the best way to hear His voice. I’m reading first Peter right now and it’s wrecking me from the inside out. I’m so moved by Him.

There is no way I could ever begin to count the number of steps it’s taken me to reach where I am today. And who knows how many more times I will stumble and fall? I’m not perfect.

The good news: He doesn’t expect perfection. He expects a willing, obedient, humble heart that is tender to His word and flexible to His will. Somebody praise Him!

He loves you, friend. Don’t worry, no matter how many “steps” it takes, you’ll stand again.

Love,

Jennifer

My eBook Mercy Waits is FREE to new subscribers.