One Step

The great Christian author and speaker Elisabeth Elliot had a phrase she used: Do the next thing." So often we can get caught up in trying to do so much that we lose sight of what's in front of us. The apostle Paul encouraged Christians to keep pressing on, to continue to look forward, according to Philippians 3:
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

We don't have to be held captive by our past, and we can face the future with confidence in Christ - as He gives us leadership.  He is the One who sets the pace, He directs our steps, as we are told in Scripture.  We can rely on our loving Savior, who knows what's best, to lead us by His Holy Spirit, and to give us the resources we need to live each day for His glory.  Remember, the children of Israel received manna a day at a time, & twice on the sixth day, a reminder of God's watchcare for His people.

+++++

God invites us to walk in the light of His love, and He has given us the Holy Spirit as a guide and the Word of God as the guidebook.  I've heard something to the effect of Him giving us enough light in order to see the path immediately before us - sometimes it's not as much as perhaps we want to see, but that's where faith comes in. In Psalm 36, we can read these words:
7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.
10 Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, And Your righteousness to the upright in heart.

A few weeks ago, centered around Valentine's weekend, the Tim Tebow Foundation held its annual "Night to Shine" event which allows young people with special needs to enjoy what can be described as a "prom night" of encouragement and fun. A FoxNews.com story recently related:

It's an effort to make the world a place where all people are valued and honored for their "God-given worth," Tebow has said.

"As I reflect upon Night to Shine 2022, I am once again reminded of the goodness of God," Tebow said in a new statement about this year's event shared with Fox News Digital.

"I'm amazed that even during an ongoing worldwide pandemic," he also said, "kings and queens were honored in more countries around the world than ever before. I am so grateful that He let us be a part of it."

He said that there were "host churches and volunteers" across 39 countries, and shared:

"They saw individuals whose challenges have significantly intensified throughout the pandemic, and they came together to serve them, to honor them and to celebrate them safely. I truly believe this is what the love of Jesus looks like."

I came across an inspiring story recently of someone with special needs who has overcome obstacles and achieved athletic prowess far greater than one might expect.  A young man named Chris Nikic, according to The Baptist Paper, "...exceeded everyone’s expectations at the age of 21 when he became the first person with Down syndrome to complete a full Ironman triathlon in 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. His father Nik chronicled his journey in the book, '1% Better: Reaching My Potential and How You Can Too.'”

Nik and Patty Nikic were determined to set the bar high for Chris as far as what he could achieve. The story states, "While Patty was involved with academics and care, Nikic concentrated on athletics, getting Chris into Special Olympics golf, track and basketball and developing a love for sports."  

The Baptist Paper article also says:

“1% Better” not only tells Chris’ story, but the principles Nikic used for triathlon training. Each day he would have Chris do “one more.” If he did five situps on Monday, Tuesday six were expected. Discouragement was lessened by making small changes, and Chris became stronger and more skilled each day.

“I have one verse framed at home: Galatians 6:9-10: ‘And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up,’” he said.

He noted, “Life is an amazing journey and with God anything is possible. He has taught me that our potential as humans is so much greater than anything we believe. He has also taught me to enjoy every moment and be thankful for my gifts.”

These inspiring stories can remind us that we all are created in the image of God.  We can trust Him to express Himself through us, and we can be sensitive to those with disabilities and provide affirmation and encouragement. 

Nik Nikic had a simple, yet effective plan for helping his son achieve in sports - it deals with the "one more" principle.  That can be helpful to each of us.  We don't have to necessarily see the endgame, but trust God step by step.  The Bible teaches the principle of being faithful in the little things, so that we can develop our trust in Him.

The apostle Paul experienced weakness in His own life, but He was emboldened by the presence of the living Christ. In his weakness, he discovered that God was strong.  When we recognize that we are weak in ourselves, we can experience His strength and ability.