Following Jesus One Step at a Time - Your Nightly Prayer - March 24th
Following Jesus One Step at a Time
Your Nightly Prayer
by Chelsey DeMatteis
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." - Psalm 119:105
SOMETHING TO PONDER
When I first met my husband, it was pretty quick bliss. We had the “big things” in common and loved spending time together. And then I got a dreaded phone call: he was offered a job in Jacksonville, FL. With us newly dating, and both of us living in Ohio, it felt like this couldn't work, not just couldn’t work...it would not work. Given that we'd only known each other for a few weeks, it wouldn’t make sense to try dating long-distance. My heart sank. Why would God introduce me to such a great guy only to bring it to a screeching halt weeks later?
It felt unfair, such is life, right? A few moments later, I peeked at my computer, and the Lord immediately stopped my wandering, worrying mind. The screen read, “When you cannot trace His hands, trust His heart.”
As a new believer, I realized in that moment that I had a choice to make. I could either trust God’s heart for me and for this relationship He had brought together, or I could allow panic and emotions to crush me.
So, I trusted. I trusted that even if I couldn’t trace the hands of God, I could trust His heart for me. And through this I learned that when we follow Jesus, one step at a time, not racing to have the “full picture”, He will work all things together - for His good.
The good that came was a relief to my heart and to my now husbands. The Lord directed his steps not to take the job and to trust what he was doing in his life and his career here, with me.
I almost couldn’t believe it when he told me he was declining the job. I was thrilled, but most of all, I was grateful that the Lord had allowed me to learn to trust Him.
To some, this story may seem silly. But for me, this was pivotal for my faith and showed me why trusting in God was so important. Because when we trust in God and what He says, there is a peace and joy that comes, no matter how the situation shakes out.
This story, though I didn’t find myself in the belly of a fish, reminds me of the trust Jonah had in the Lord to direct his steps, even when he was faithful and even when he wanted to dig in his heels and not listen. God showed Jonah that His ways are better and that He would make a way, no matter what, to reach the people and bring to fruition the plans God had for them.
Jonah had to trust what God was doing when He couldn’t trace his hands at work in the valley he found himself in, and his valley was self-inflicted. It is just the same for us. We must trust what God is doing, even if we find ourselves thrust into a valley. God is God, and we are not. We do not have the big picture, and He does. And though we do not have the “final picture”, we do know the work He has done before and know that whatever work He will bring to completion this time will not just be “good enough”; it will be His will, done in His way. That is a lamp and light I’m willing and wanting to follow. To God be the glory!
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for the gift of your light and the way you guide my heart. In the seasons when I find myself doubting the work you’re doing when I cannot see your hands at work, remind me of all you’ve done before and that I can trust in you - fully. You will not only be faithful in the outcome according to your will, but you’ll be faithful to walk alongside me. I will not arrive at a destination void of your presence, and for that I am so grateful. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Trusting Without the Full Picture
Where are you longing for clarity right now? Ask the Lord to help you trust His character even when He has only revealed the next step.
2. Obedience in the Valley
Is there an area where you are tempted to resist God’s leading? Consider how surrendering that place might open the door to deeper peace.
3. Guided by His Word
How regularly are you allowing Scripture to shape your decisions? Reflect on how God’s Word has guided you in the past and commit to following its light today.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Zbynek Pospisil
Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
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