Dateline: One set of footprints in the snow
It was a cold and snowy Thursday morning in rural Illinois. As my son and I exited the lobby of our hotel, I realized my hands were full (carrying suitcases and an overnight bag) and my car was parked on the far side of the lot. From the time Antioch took his first steps, I have always held his hand whenever we crossed a street or parking lot and on this day he reached his little hand up in attempt to hold mine. We stood there for a moment while I surveyed the situation. I saw there was no traffic, nothing moving except a slight breeze. So, I leaned down to Antioch and said, "It is okay. Just stay close to me as we cross the lot and you'll be safe." I repeated, "Stay close to me." Antioch replied, "Okay."
About halfway across the lot I reassured my young follower, "You okay back there?" "Yup dad!" he answered enthusiastically.
When we got to the car, I turned around and saw my son… close behind me…. Walking carefully by strategically placing his little feet in the footprints I had made in the snow. Now, I realize there are probably hundreds of metaphoric poems and prose regarding such an occurrence but to actually experience it was a moment I will never forget (especially considering my 5 year old son is not familiar with any such poem and "authored" this one on his own).
I opened the trunk of the car and spoke to my son, "Did you walk in my footsteps all the way across?" "Yup. You told me to stay close to you and I would stay safe. That is the closest I can get."
Here's the thing folks- Your Lord will NEVER turn your hand loose in a dangerous situation. Your Lord will NEVER ask you to walk where he hasn't already gone. How do you stay close to God in a world that seems so dangerous and distant? You need to follow Him… hold His hand… walk in His footsteps…
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
