His Word Revealed

Walking in His Footsteps

We are brought out that we might be brought in. This statement at first glance seems redundant, but in fact it makes sense when one considers the scriptural context of it. We were redeemed to be His purchased possession, and what a price our dear Lord paid for us. We are brought out of the bondage of sin and death, so we can be brought into His glorious kingdom of life. We were created in His image.

We live by His grace and mercy and are saved and sanctified, by His redeeming blood that He shed for the whole world on the cross of Calvary. But it doesn't stop here. Some might believe that salvation is a blanket covering and that no radical change in behavior is needed. Others believe that after their salvation, they must work feverishly to retain their 'free' gift from God. There are even those who are satisfied to tuck away their salvation. These Christians ‘sometimes’ attend church, and when they have time they read God's Word and pray. But sadly, these Christians have mock contentment, and they believe that they are doing all that God requires of them. But isn’t there more? Aren’t us supposed to be we living the abundant Spirit filled life?

The moment that we in faith accepted salvation and was born again, we received All of the Lord Jesus Christ, not part of Him, but All of Him. We also received the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus then made us free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2; Colossians 2: 12-13).

All spiritual blessings were given to Jesus (as the Savior) and He holds in trust for us, His inheritance. What many might overlook is that although we are promised access to His inheritance, we obtain only as much of this as we in faith claim. His inheritance was handed down to His children through the process of His death (Romans 8: 9-17). And through spiritual life we gain access to His promises, provision and blessings.

Walking in the footsteps of Jesus is something every Christian should strive to do. This demands dedication and a willingness to accept whatever trials, temptations or infirmities come our way. Some have the misconception that once they experience the 'rebirth', that nothing bad or traumatic can cross their paths. For all those who believe this, I must suggest that a reality check is in order. Mountain top experiences are great, and being filled with His Spirit is a wonderful feeling. On the other side, many believe that the valleys in our lives leave much to be desired. But valleys will come regardless of how spiritual we consider ourselves to be. Sometimes we create our own valleys, and other times the valleys are spiritual testing designed to benefit us in our growth process. Valleys are necessary. I have encountered many Christians who have the ‘woe is me song’, and when the challenge of a valley comes their way, the look in every direction except up. If the truth were known, every Christian at some point in their life has grumbled to God about their valleys.

There have been times in most of our lives when we have felt desperately forsaken. And no matter how many times we whispered, "I will never leave you, or forsake you"; there was no shaking the feeling. The problem stems from the fact that we were seeking Him in the physical and not in the spiritual realm. When we realize that we are focusing too much on things that we can see, and not enough on the unseen things, it is a wake up call. It is so easy for us to get bogged down (with life in the fast lane), and then neglect to give Him the attention He is worthy of having. ‘Be still and know that I am GOD’, is something He often whispers in our spiritual ear during the valleys. It is in that stillness that He nurtures and brings us insight and wisdom. More spiritual growth is accomplished in the valleys, then what we realize. When we listen we learn. When we learn we grow. It is never that He has stepped aside and become just a shadow. It is that we have stepped outside His footsteps and become blinded by our own shadow.

Psalm 23, Does NOT say, ‘Yea, though I lay down and plead for mercy in the valley of the shadow of death’, it says we Walk THROUGH the shadow of death to the other side! If we can walk through it, then there is no reason to worry, fear, or be depressed during the valleys. We walk in death's shadow everyday. The dark days of the valley are never pleasant, but they are necessary. There is a Light at the end of the tunnel.... and a mountaintop waiting for us. All we need to conquer the valleys is devil- busting faith and the assurance that no matter what, He will see us through any and every circumstance of life.

We live, breath and have our being in Him, because He has resurrection power. He conquered sin, hell and the grave! We are His heirs and we have inherited His resurrection power! If we face each challenge, every valley, each pain and heartache with this in mind, our attitude will be transformed.

This fleshly abode we live in is but a vapor, too soon it fades away. But our spirit will live forever, down through all the eons of eternity. One day we will stand before Him in resurrected bodies that will never die. And finally we will realize that our journey on earth was worth all the pain, heartache and disappointments.

Walk each day in His footsteps while holding onto His unchanging hand and keep your eyes ever fixed on Him. One day soon, we will step out of time and into eternity. Then the record book of our lives on earth will be closed -- all entries complete.