Psalm 116:8 (NKJV) “For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.”

We kept to the trail that lay before us. The trip to Utah had exceeded our expectations of God’s majesty. But this particular hike was extra hot and strenuous. This hike was painfully long. Its path was dangerously steep. And the crumbly rocks under our feet caused me numerous stumbles.

I became weary and disheartened over constantly losing my footing. As my frustration mounted, my husband, taking pity on me, kindly reminded me that yes, I was experiencing numerous falters. But I also had demonstrated some incredible saves. Perhaps I could shift my focus from my near disasters to all the less than graceful ways I had been able to right my stance. Not once had I completely gone down. Not once had I been wounded or scarred. And as a bonus, with each falter, I was able to alert those coming behind me to the danger lying ahead.

Stumbles permeate life. Each day opens the door to relationship falters and faith-walk tumbles. Our co-workers can get the best of us, making it difficult to muster up words seasoned with grace. But facing conflict with humility can preserve relationships and set us back on solid ground. Our children can trample on our last remaining nerve, hijacking any loving solution seemingly out there. But pausing to ask for God’s patience and wisdom can calm the storm, refocus the child, and keep our family’s sound footing. Grumbles among our church families can threaten to take down our faith community. But searching a solution in God’s Word allows us to right our steps and avert a falling out.

Yes, that Utah ridge caused me oh, so many stumbles. But, numerous, too, were the saves that day. So friend, let us choose to celebrate the saves, knowing that as we falter in life, God will steady our feet. And as we celebrate, remember to alert those following behind to the danger lying ahead.

Father God, may we look to you each time we stumble. Give us the strength to keep those who come behind us from faltering.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane