“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” (Prov 16:9)
Several years ago, I decided to go back to college to get my master’s degree. In my mid-thirties, working full time, and out of school for over 10 years, graduate school was a whole new world. Online classes were now available (and sometimes the only option). I felt overwhelmed and out of place.
Going back to school in my mid-30s was not ideal, but my situation was not as difficult as that of some of my classmates. While some had gone straight into the graduate program after receiving their bachelor’s degrees, others were my age or older. I had classes with single moms with young children at home and those who were caring for aging parents. Everyone’s situation was different, and everyone faced their own hard things. My advisor created a plan of study for me based on my life and work schedules, and I worked toward my degree one step, one class, one assignment, at a time. After three years of hard, steady work, I received my master’s degree with honors in December 2014.
Completing my master’s degree took discipline. Whether you’re working on a degree, trying to lose weight or maintain weight loss, or finishing a big project at work, you know that it all starts by taking one step at a time. For me, deciding to get my master’s degree wasn’t my first step. My first step was deciding to obtain my alternative teaching certificate. After passing all of the tests to become certified, I had to take a certain number of education classes set by the Oklahoma State Department of Education based on my previous education and work and life experience. For me, pursuing a master’s degree was the natural next step in this process.
What have you been thinking about doing, but hesitating to start? Decide what your first step will be and then keep moving forward. It can be scary to walk out into the unknown. We don’t usually know what our next step will look like, but the Lord does. He will show us the way one step at a time: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives” (Ps 37:23 NLT). If you’re in doubt about your next step, pray and read God’s word, for “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Ps 119:105 NIV). Take the next step. And then keep moving forward, trusting God to go with you and direct you to your destination.
Dear Jesus, thank you for guiding my steps even when I didn’t know the way. Help me to trust you to show me the way. You have never left me on my own, and you meet me at my destination every time. Amen.