Stepping up

DEVOTION
ROMANS
STEPPING UP
Rom 10:11-13
11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
NIV
It appears to me, I have called on the name of the Lord and I have been saved. What else could I do? That is, by far, the most important step in my life I ever took. We as a people make a fairly big to do about our babies first step. Some of us record it in a little book so some day our baby can read all about her or his beginnings and all the ‘cute’ little things they did. But did I record in some place my actually first step in my new life? The day I called upon the Lord was a step which would change the course of my life forever, a step in a different direction. Rejoice, oh my soul, for that first step, for because of that step one day I will take another and this one will be into eternity for an everlasting life in the presence of my Lord, who I called upon His name. The question which I must ask myself, have I taken steps in other directions since that first one? I hesitate to answer, but must say yes. Will I take more? I don’t know, I hope not, but I cannot know for sure. Why? Because I am not perfect, am I making excuses, no, simply admitting reality. Yet, here I stand, planning in my heart to follow Jesus, wanting to follow Jesus, desiring to be like Him, making as much effort as possible to take every step forward in His direction. I trust Him completely and know He loves me completely. Proverbs 20:24 says: A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way? This I know and have experienced, God directing my steps, showing me where I should go, live, work, and yes, even play. But still can I step out on my own from time to time in the wrong direction? What security do I have? Praise God, I have Him!
Ps 37:23-24
23 If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;
24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
NIV