Day 34: One Step at a Time

Matthew 6:34:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Nine years have passed since my hip-replacement surgery, a procedure that was long-overdue and preceded by years of debilitating pain. Since we knew we’d be homebound for a while afterward, my husband suggested we spend the month prior to the surgery traveling to England and Ireland. He encouraged me to go by saying, “Let’s get every last mile out of that old hip!” So that is exactly what we did!

One physical feat that pushed me in that goal was to conquer the 131 steps leading up to the top of Blarney Castle. Climbing the narrow, uneven stairs to the top was accomplished by taking each one slowly and precisely, one careful step at a time. At the time I was reminded of a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” If I had seen the whole staircase, I might have chickened out. As it was the off-season for tourists, there was no one behind to hurry me along except for my husband who was there to catch me in case I faltered. At the top, we rejoiced and shared high fives with great exhilaration, and soon we began the slow descent, again, one step at a time.

That valuable lesson in patience helped me as I recovered from surgery because, if I had known what was ahead of me, I might have chickened out! Being such an independent and task-oriented person, it was hard to depend on my husband for help during the first three weeks of recovery while my mobility was limited. He was there to make sure my steps were slow, precise and careful, ready to catch me if I faltered, and assist me with all the menial tasks necessary for my care.

Spiritual comfort came from 2 Cor. 12:9, which says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” It was the Lord’s strength that carried me in my spiritual and emotional weakness, while my hubby was the one “with skin on” who carried me through the physical weakness. I struggled with having no sense of accomplishment, not being able to see productive progress. Once again I was reminded of the words from today’s verse, where Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” God’s Word was instructing me to take just one day at a time—one step at a time, and no more.

Slowly I recognized the small steps of progress—walking to the bathroom on my own, dressing without aid, getting up in the night on my own, managing the stairs once a day, them twice a day. Cooking on my own took a lot more time to manage and working in my office took even longer. But progress was made, one day at a time and, at the end of each day, as I lay my head on the pillow I took inventory of the day’s steps and offered a prayer of praise and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness. Eight years later, the lessons have held firm as I face each step and each day in light of God’s provision and faithfulness. And He is always there when I falter.

Father in heaven, thank You for the lessons on trusting You for each day as it comes, that worry doesn’t give any comfort but, rather, only trouble. There may be some today who are suffering from physical infirmity, emotional distress, financial concerns or a family crisis. Thank you for instructing us, Lord, that we mustn’t take on more than we can handle today, but that we should place our trust in You, Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, Who will take care of our daily needs as they come. Thank You for Your provision of strength in our weakness and that it is Your grace that is sufficient. May we learn to step carefully, by faith, knowing You are the One lighting our way and will be there if we falter. In Jesus’ faithful name we pray. Amen.

“The Christian life may have thousands of steps, but we only have to take them one at a time. “ ~ D.L. Moody