Lamp and Light

As I sat down to write today, I made three attempts. Each time I felt the Holy Spirit shake his head, "No, not that one."  After the third attempt I took a break. I never want to send out something that he has not approved. 

While I was waiting on him for a Word, I snuggled and read with my sweet baby boy. I then felt motivated to bake a couple loaves of strawberry zucchini bread. It was during the bread making that the Holy Spirit spoke. 

I love to bake. The recipe gives me step-by-step instructions. And there is often a picture of the finished product so I know what to expect. However, I have found that in my Christian walk that is not usually the case. 

The Psalmist wrote: "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."  Psalm 119:105. I have a dear friend who has a one candle power lamp that was used in Bible times. It is a small clay jar with a wick. It holds only a very small amount of oil. In Bible days when someone had to journey in the dark they would light that lamp and hold it on a string down by their feet. The lamp was only bright enough to light up one step at a time. It was too weak to penetrate the darkness farther ahead. 

This has been my experience on my journey with Christ. Unlike my recipe which provides complete, step-by-step instructions and a picture of the finished product, my walk has been one step at a time revelation. God never gives me a new step until I have completed the last one. He often even waits for a period of time between steps. 

I have learned that I have two choices, obey or disobey and rebel. If I obey the next step is forth coming in the right time. If I disobey I am forced to face trials and struggles. I've heard the phrase "You asked for it" many times in my life. It is so true here. If I rebel I am asking for harder lessons to teach me the importance of obedience. 

We discipline our children to teach them to obey. God does the same with us. Proverbs 3:12 "For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."  

Note: Everyone going through struggles and trials is not living in rebellion. But those who are usually know it!!

Not being able to see in the dark is disconcerting and often a little frightening. God understands our feelings and promises to be with us all the way. Deuteronomy 31:6 "So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” 

All God asked of us is step-by-step obedience. He doesn't ask us to solve our own problems. He doesn't ask us to be perfect. He doesn't even ask us to be successful. Just obedient. 

Let us place our faith and confidence in Christ and take each step as he leads.