January 22, 2024
You Have Everything You Need To Move Forward
ABBY MCDONALD
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“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
Three hours on the road by myself normally would have been pure bliss, especially as a mom of three. But this morning was different.
Driving conditions made it impossible for me to relax. I gripped the steering wheel as I made my way through a heavy downpour. A thick layer of fog obscured any visibility for more than a few hundred feet ahead.
Thankfully, after a couple of hours on the road, God gave me a sign that I was headed in the right direction. In the distance, a burst of sunlight appeared. Because my weather app promised sunny skies at my destination, this light helped confirm my route.
Do you ever wish God would give you a sign in your spiritual life? Lord knows I have. At times, I’ve questioned whether a goal I wanted to pursue was from Him. I longed to see a light telling me I was headed in the right direction. Other times I felt nudged to take a step of faith in my community, but I hesitated.
A look into Scripture shows this desire for confirmation isn’t new. But we also see that while we may sometimes receive signs from God, His Word is always a light that directs our steps. In our key verse, the psalmist says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).
As I read this verse, some key facets stand out to me.
First, the lamp’s purpose is to guide our feet, not to tell us what’s miles ahead. And second, the lamp is a tool. Like any tool, it is only effective when we’re holding it, using it for its intended function. If we stay stagnant, the light will only illuminate what’s around us, and its glow will only reach so far. But if we move forward, its effectiveness will have no end. Each step forward will show us the next one as more of the path is revealed.
A faith that propels our feet forward isn’t guided by a light in the distance. The Light of the world, Jesus, is already here. And how does He direct us? Psalm 119:105 notes one primary way: through His Word. As we take steps of obedience, He is faithful to lead.
I question His direction the most when my time with Him wanes. But when I’m intentional in prayer and reading His Word, He guides me with these questions:
- Does this step glorify Him?
- Does this step show my love for Him and His people?
Friend, if the answer to these questions is “yes,” then you and I can move forward with confidence. God wants us to live lives filled with purpose and joy, but we can’t do that if we don’t act. Let's go in His love and be empowered.
God, thank You for the promise to guide our steps when we seek You. When we’re uncertain about our direction, help us to remember Your Word is our guiding light. May we use it and move forward with confidence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Abby McDonald’s book, Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God, offers more insights about how a simple shift in perspective can allow the power of God to reign in our lives. Pick up your copy today!
ENGAGE
Are there areas of your life where you can’t seem to find a breakthrough? Click here to take Abby’s “5 Days to Life Unstuck Challenge.” You can also connect with Abby on her website and on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (NIV).
Is there an area of your life where God has prompted you to take a step of faith, but you’re hesitant to move forward? Tell us about it in the comments.
© 2024 by Abby McDonald. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org