HomeWord - Aug. 9, 2007

It was summer and three of us camp counselors were leading a group of seventh grade campers on a two-night backpack in the Sierra Mountains.  As we finished dinner the first night, we realized one of our camper’s meds had not been packed.  It was a critical medication; two of us would need to leave that night and retrieve the medicine.

Flashlights in hand, we took off on our night hike.  About an hour and a half into the hike, though, my flashlight’s batteries ran out and it became almost impossible for me to see.  We continued, but I had to stay very close to my fellow hiker and peer over his shoulder so I could see where I was stepping, trying to avoid stumbling over roots and walking off the path.

The Bible is the light for the Christian’s path.  It shines brightly at our feet and helps us see which way to go, which decision to make, and how to live a life pleasing to God.  This world is filled with darkness and evil and the Bible is there to be our guiding light.  God’s Word helps us stay on track and keeps us from walking the wrong path or tripping over roots that try to pull us down. 

Although we shared the light the rest of the way, it made it much more difficult to rely on his light for me to get down.  Perhaps you have found yourself caught in that trap as well.  Instead of seeking God for answers and looking to Him and His Word, we only ask our friend for advice.  The problem is, sometimes they get it right and sometimes they don’t.  First and foremost, we must know what God directs us to do.  We will know that when we pray and read our Bible. 

The light worked best when pointed at our feet showing us one step at a time.  Once we took that first step, we could then easily see where to take the next step.  Don’t sit paralyzed waiting for all your answers before you trust the Lord.  Once you take a small step of faith towards Him, He can show you the next one.   His Word is the lamp at your feet and the light for your path.

To comment on today's devotional, click here.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What makes it hard to take that first step of faith?

2. Make a list of three ways the Bible has helped guide you and thank the Lord for being your light.

FURTHER READING :

Psalm 119:129-136; Luke 11:1-10

HomeWord Encouraging Parents…Building Families
Other FREE resources from HomeWord and Jim Burns: - 7 Minutes to Being a Better Parent - Download HomeWord's daily broadcast - Get your toughest parenting questions answered HomeWord provides bottom-shelf, real-life, practical resources ranging from 411 (information) and 911 (crisis resources) to help parents.