Counting Steps and Blessings

How can counting your steps lead you to your blessings?

If you are skeptical, let me share why I believe this to be true. Mother's Day I decided to go for a walk along the shore of Lake Almanor so that I could spend time alone with God. When I seek Him, He is always showing me that He is with me (Isaiah 41:10) and yesterday He taught me a valuable lesson about counting my steps.

But before I share, I'd like to ask you a question. Are you someone who believes that God is with you all the time and that He gives signs to encourage you? If not, I hope this message will change your thoughts and perspective about this. James 1:6 says "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." I am a firm believer that God is always with us and guiding us because He has proven this over and over in my own life.

Isaiah 30:21 NIV

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

My first cross was this burnt shrub on the side of the path, the cross is on the upper left branch

As I began my walk yesterday, I noticed a bald eagle sitting at the entrance of the path and instantly knew God was with me and I was going to enjoy my walk with Him.

As I began to pray and think about God's plan for my life, I began seeing crosses along the path and I was reminded instantly of all the Bible verses that say, "I will direct your steps" and the interesting thing is when my thoughts wandered, I noticed I wasn't seeing the crosses anymore. That is when I realized the correlation between crosses and focusing on God.

Psalm 32:8 NIV

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."

The lesson is when I keep my focus on God, I will see His presence all around me guiding me along my path and when I take my focus off Him, I miss these opportunities. So, the moral of the story is do not allow the trials and struggles in your life to keep you from focusing on God. Keep your eyes on Him and He will encourage you!

Hebrews 12:1 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Here's just a few verses to ponder:

Proverbs 16:9 NIV

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Cross # 2

Psalm 119:1 NIV

"Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord."

Psalm 119:105 NIV

"You word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

Psalm 37:23-24 NIV

"If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."

Check out just a few of the crosses I saw during my walk!

Cross # 4

I hope these cross photos encourage you to seek God in your daily walk so that He can renew your faith in Him and strengthen you on your journey!

Jeremiah 10:23 NIV

"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps."

God speaks to everyone in their own unique way, it would be fun to hear what God uses to remind you of His presence, I hope you'll share!

Pay attention friends...because God is always speaking to us! Be intentional and count your steps and before you know it you will be counting your blessings too!

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime