Small Steps of Obedience

I have often lamented in my personal journal of the uncertainty of the future and my struggle to trust that the Lord has a plan for my life. I have been greatly encouraged however, by remembering that God calls me to be obedient in the present, no matter how mundane the tasks may be. Have you asked yourself "What is my calling?", as I have. Well, I encourage you my sisters not to look ahead, as this will only lead to worry and anxiety, as I have often discovered. Rather, ask God each day what it is to obey Him for that day. Elisabeth Elliot, has exhorted people to "Trust God and do the next thing". To trust God and to do the next thing, is often comprised of small steps of obedience. Here is a delightful poem that illustrates the simplicity of "doing the next thing"

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “Do the Next Thing.”

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Thrust them with Jesus, do the next thing.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.

Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.


--Anonymous