Every Hopeful Step of the Way

Let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. HEBREWS 12:1 TLB 

The difficult places in our lives will often push us in simpler directions. We reassess what’s truly important. We discover how much we can live without and how much weight some things have that should be given a lot less of our energy. We start to notice the birds singing at first daylight, how good the sun feels on our faces, and how amazing it is to see flowers emerge from the frozen ground in early spring. They’re God things calling for our attention. It’s God reminding us we have His full attention, in the hope we start to notice again. 

Life can feel like a race a lot of the time. But it doesn’t have to be one we rush through and forget to enjoy. When we trust that God is with us every step of the way—that no matter what, everything will be okay—life takes on the pace it should. It’s a more relaxed rhythm when we realize His ways are the best ways. Darkness, as terrifying as it can feel when we’re in it, will not last and has no power to stay. The light is coming, and it’s going to make things clear. 

Times and circumstances bring sadness, suffering, and loss. But God never turns His back on our story. He cries with us in the sad parts, celebrates with us in the happy ones, and walks with us through every challenge. When we fall face down on the course without the strength or desire to pull ourselves back up, we learn we don’t have to. God does the lifting and shows us how to keep going. Back on our feet we can know He’s cheering, Don’t give up; live! Look for Me everywhere; I’m there. You’re not alone and you never will be. This journey isn’t yours but yours and God’s—and every breath of it is worth the life of the One who breathed His last for every brave and hopeful step you take. 

Dear God, Praise You for Your constant presence. Thank You for the eternal hope You give. Let me live with confidence in Your faithfulness every day and stand firmly in the power of Your love. 

This is an excerpt from The Campfire is Calling: 90 Warming Devotions for the Simple Life – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.