Here's another old post from Steve in March 2007:It occurred to me that focusing only on the next step or the next thing is how the Lord wants me to live. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps 119:105). An oil lamp (the only kind available when this was written) only lit enough of a dark road for the next step. I've walked on deserted roads at night where there is no light except the light of a flashlight (usually one with most of the juice gone); it's not the most comfortable stroll. That's what this experience feels like - a walk along a dark windy deserted road surrounded by woods (where animals live) with only a dim flashlight to light the next step. Living life this way forces me to put my confidence where it belongs: in His Word which declares his kindness and faithfulness and power. I'm learning that patience is about taking just the next step trusting that God is leading me and caring for me and protecting me.
11 comments:
That's good! I really like that... thanks for the post.
Wow, what powerful words. I am so glad to be a part of this blog to receive these wonderful words, and insights. I appreciate and pray for all of you daily. I liked the picture also, too cute. Sandi
Thanks laris for sharing this post...it has even more reality now that steve is gone. how clearly he could verbalize the path of suffering, and what should be our response (only with god's grace). love, g
I repeat often that when you live next door to the Murphy’s you feel that you are going to school every day – you will learn from them lessons in value, lessons in perseverance and lessons in faith. But I never thought that even after his death, Steve would still teach similar lessons. Steve said “I'm learning that patience is about taking just the next step trusting that God is leading me and caring for me and protecting me” and to this I say Amen. Steve exemplifies what is repeatedly by millions in the serenity prayer which reads:
“Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.”
Steve, I miss you a lot and long very much to seeing you in life after. I hope that your sudden departure from this life would work to strengthen the bond you and I developed in this life so we may continue stronger brothers in the life after.
Azad
Thank God for Steve, and for Ian and you, and this blog. You are a good witness for the Lord. Tho Him alone be the glory.
God is soo good :)
--Leah from Reading
Thanks for the encouraging reminders.
Still praying.
Wendy in MD
I miss hearing Steve's preaching, but through this blog, I can still hear Steve's teaching from his posts.
Thank you, Larissa, for finding these entries and posting them!
Still Praying!
Mary Ann K.
Thank you for sharing this, Larissa. It's just what I needed to read tonight, a reminder of God's guidance. His presence with us through it all.
Meg
Recently I faced a challenging situation where I felt that I was being trespassed on repeatedly. This situation posted a challenge and tested my resolve repeatedly. I felt I needed a lot of support and strength to continue.
In the past, I used to get strength when I see Steve and witness his resolve in positively facing extreme challenges. Now, during my challenging times, I am turning to this blog and finding support in what Steve wrote. Time and time again, I read what Steve wrote and gained strength to light the next step and keep going. Steve’s words were like the “dim flashlight to light the next step” that he is referring to. Steve taught me so much in his life but I never thought that he will still teach me even after his death.
Steve, I miss you a lot and I long very much to seeing you in the life after. You are an inspiration to me. I hope that when we meet in the life after that you would still teach me the same lessons that you always taught me.
Azad
I'm appreciate your writing skill.Please keep on working hard.^^
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