It’s Okay to Take Baby Steps

She toddles and wobbles. She takes tentative steps and falls on her bottom. She strains and stretches and stands again. All the time he is watching from his position right in front of her, arms outstretched. He says, “You can do it! Look at my big girl! Come on, walk to Daddy.”  It doesn’t matter how many times she falls, or how wobbly her gait. He only sees her progress. He cheers her on no matter what. He knows she will find victory if she doesn’t give up. Finally she takes a couple more steps and lunges into his waiting arms. He smiles, hugs her to him, and says, “You did it! I knew you could!”

I’m sure that’s how I learned to walk. It’s how I am learning still. He still waits for me with open arms; He still cheers me on when I fall. He knows I will find victory if I don’t give up. He is my greatest encourager, my coach, my Heavenly Father.  Even when my progress seems insignificant, He still waits expectantly.

And He waits for you too.  Do you see His outstretched arms? Do you see the expectant smile on His face? Do you hear those words of encouragement when you have fallen for what seems like the thousandth time? He’s there. He knows you can do it. Keep walking; he’s waiting for you. He’s waiting to wrap you in His arms and say, “Well done my child, well done.”

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14