Just Stepping It Out

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.

─ Psalm 37:23-24

Denise Valuk fell headlong into grief and deep depression after her baby brother Wayne died in a car accident. He was only 37; they’d been very close. Valuk admitted in an interview with Guideposts that she didn’t eat or sleep well, hadn’t exercised in years and hardly went outside the house most days.

Her husband Billy had been understanding, but when she suggested they celebrate their 23^rd anniversary by taking a hike, he gladly agreed. As they journeyed up the mountain together in silence, Denise’s thoughts immediately turned to her brother. The two had grown up together, spending many hours outdoors. The hike made her feel close to him, and worn out and hurting at the time, she felt a new sense of accomplishment.

Determined to feel that again, she began to walk two miles around her neighborhood four or five times a week, even though she struggled with every step. The weight of the grief she felt after losing her brother, lifted a little with each resolute step. She tracked her steps with an app and set a goal of 1,000 miles.

She was more than halfway toward her goal by mid-July, when she sprained her ankle. Thinking about how far she’d come, she remembered how God had guided her in every step. She refused to give up. She bought a pair of high-top hiking boots, wrapped her ankle and pushed through.

Several months later Denise was ready to pass that thousand-mile goal, her husband at her side. On the same trail where she’d previously sprained her ankle, she met her goal, finishing tired, but feeling healthy, strong and healed.

Every journey begins with the very first step. The powerful truth is we don’t have to take one single step alone. God will walk it out with us every single day, and no small step is wasted when we walk with Him.

Today’s One Thing

What journey awaits you today? Have you been procrastinating about taking the first step? Embrace your journey today by taking the first step and see where God will lead you.

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