First steps
Remember your first day of school? How about your son or daughter’s first day? Those first steps in a new life direction can be tough.
My granddaughter starts kindergarten this year. How can that be? It seems just yesterday her mother (my daughter) took those first steps toward growing up. New life directions can be a challenge for us as individuals . . .
- School
- Making a career choice or a career change
- Marriage
- Children
- Retirement
- The loneliness resulting from death of a loved one.
Change is hard–but making those first steps of change sets us on a new journey.
How do we face those first steps of change?
Are we timid and hesitant?
Are we bold and brave?
Do we plunge forward with courage in spite of fear?
Nicodemus
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a member of the Jewish ruling council (John 3:1). Many of his peers were critical of Jesus, but Nicodemus wanted to learn more.
He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” (John 3:2)
Nicodemus was a man of prestige and power, yet he visited Jesus at night when he was less likely to be observed by those who might criticize him for seeking out Jesus. Nicodemus was hesitant about his decision to associate with Jesus, BUT he took the first steps and thus learned the path to salvation.
David
The Philistines and Israelites set up battle camps on different hills at Sukoh in Judah (1 Samuel 17:1). For forty days, a giant named Goliath came forth and taunted the Israelites about their unwillingness to send a man out to fight him. When David arrived on the scene and learned of the challenge, he said to Saul:
“Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” (1 Samuel 17:32)
Saul discouraged David, fearing for the young man’s safety, but David persevered in his goal, taking the first steps needed to defeat the Philistine in battle. Declining Saul’s armor, David chose his own weapons and vowed God’s hand would be with him in the battle.
So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. (1 Samuel 17:50)
Esther
During the reign of King Xerxes the Jewish people were threatened with annihilation at the hands on Haman. Queen Esther is challenged by her kinsman, Mordecai, to make the choice to help her people. She responded:
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)
In spite of her fear of losing her life by approaching the King, Esther stepped up to the responsibility of saving her people.
These three role models from Scripture had unique personalities and approached their challenges in different ways, but each drew their strength and courage from God. You may find this article of interest. With additional insights on David and Esther, the message also provides wisdom and encouragement from the stories of Daniel and Moses.
Is God calling you to take steps in service to Him? Are you hesitant, reluctant, or fearful? Take heart–He will be you.
Prayers for our children.
I hope you will join me in praying for our children as they step in a new school year.
Father, We lift our prayers to you, that you protect our children as a new school year begins. We pray for our students, parents, and teachers–for wisdom, grace, perseverance, hard work, kind and loving relationships, and courage to make decisions according to your will. In the precious name of our Lord and Savior. Amen
Praying for students, parents, teachers, and all school personnel as the new year begins.
Thank you for your prayers, Diana.
You’ve got me thinking of how we have all taken those tentative first steps toward something new in our lives, but as we grew more comfortable with it and confident in our own ability, our steps grew bolder. Praying your granddaughter and all children beginning a new school year find the comfort and confidence to boldly walk into each new day.
Thank you for your prayers, J.D. I agree with you–we gain confidence when our first steps are successful. Of course, we gain valuable experience when they’re not. But I pray our young school children will have good first steps to help them build that confidence they need to keep going and boldly face those continuous new beginnings.
Praying for the new school year!
Thank you, Vera. I’m so grateful for your prayers. Wishing you a blessed week.
Such a great post.
Yes, praying! Yesterday, our pastor had students, teachers, parents, administrators, school board member come to the front of the church for a powerful time of prayer.
We need to continue to pray.
What a wonderful way to start off the new school year, Connie. Thank you for sharing what your church has done to encourage students, parents, and school staff to get off to a great start. As you remind us, we need to continue to pray for all.
Thanks Katherine. I loved the Bible examples. And, the question “How do we face those first steps of change is a thought provoking one.” I would probably shout, “RUN!” But, I appreciate the admonition toward prayer. Thank you!
First steps are hard, even when we’re older. In spite of having so much experience with the challenge of change, I don’t think trials and challenges, particularly those which involve family become easy to cope with as we age. Thank you for joining in prayer for our children.
Three excellent first step examples from the Bible. I think many of us would agree with the line from that the song, “The First Step is the Hardest.” I don’t recall the artist right now but the tune is going through my head!
I remember when I went rappelling off a mountain. That first step off was hard! But I loved it and I never would have had that experience if I’d been too fearful to push off. We can all probably remember those times when the first step was a really hard one. Thank you for sharing, Candyce.
Taking first steps is hard because we don’t have control of the outcome or the challenges we’ll face along the way. Will it hurt? What will it cost me? Will I make it safely to the other side? So grateful for these heroes of the faith you’ve detailed here who are excellent examples of trusting God in those first steps. He proved faithful to be with them—and us—then, now, and always!
Mary, you’ve asked the questions that challenge us when we face those “first steps.” Thank you for sharing and reminding us that even when we ask the questions that don’t have an answer, we know the One who does. Peace and blessings!
Yes, praying for children and adults as the new school year begins. 🙂
Thanks so much for joining me in prayer for our children, parents, and teachers this year, Melissa. As a loving grandmother, I know you are concerned for all our children. I hope those of yours who are old enough to be in school have a wonderful year.
Thank you for three Biblical examples of first steps! This reminds me of my first steps in marriage, motherhood, college, ministry, and writing. First steps cause appreciation but are necessary for new growth! Your grand girls are precious! Life changes happen quicker than we like. Thank you for sharing Katherine.
Lisa, I think those first steps continue to challenge us, no matter our current situation in life. You’ve reminded me of some of my most meaningful. Wishing you continued blessings on the journey, my friend.
I confess I sometimes forget to make prayer my first step with any endeavor. Thank you for this timely reminder, Katherine.
Me, too, Annie! Thank you for sharing your part in this struggle. We are blessed that are loving Father is with us on the journey, even when we sometimes forget to call out to Him for help. Peace and joy!
Thanks you for this article on first steps. I too am like you this year, my grandson will be starting kindergarten. It’s hard to believe that he is 5 years old and going to school! Remember well the afternoon that he was born and heard his first cry! God is good and His creations are awesome!!! Also enjoyed the Biblical accounts. I enjoy every post you do, but especially this one!!!! Praying for a great and safe school year for students, teachers, administration, bus drivers, parents and everyone associated with schools! May God continue to bless and use you.
Thank you, Martha, for joining in the prayer for our schools and all involved in this important task of educating our children. God is Good! And He is with us on this journey. Praying for your grandson and all at his school. Thank you for your encouragement. Blessings!
How exciting that your granddaughter is starting kindergarten! Thanks for the reminder for us to pray for our children as they go back to school! We started today, with lots of prayer among our school community!
I hope you have a wonderful year, Kathy. Praying for you, all your teachers and staff, and most importantly, your students. May God grant you all protection, persistence, love, and the desire to learn and grow. Peace and joy!
Katherine, in delightful ways, you bring us truth to ponder. You seamlessly helped us see a connection between new steps in our lives to powerful biblical examples which strengthen us to move forward. I’m excited about a new chapter in your granddaughter’s life.
Thank you, Jeannie. I’m excited and apprehensive. It’s so tough growing up these days and so many distractions and temptations to lure our children into risky behaviors. Thank you for your good wishes and prayers. Wishing you an upcoming week of joy and sunshine.
I too pray for school administrators, teachers, and students on a regular basis, for wisdom, passion for the work, joy in learning, protection from harm and from false ideologies.I greatly appreciate your additions of kind and loving relationships, and courage to make decisions according to God’s will. Thank you, Katherine!
Thank you, Nancy, for joining in prayer for our children, parents, and all staff involved in nurturing our precious children. I’m so grateful for your ongoing prayers. Peace and blessings!