Quotes, Devotional Bits, "Good 'uns," Beloved Bible Passages

(September 3) The first step

If there are a thousand steps between us and God, He will take all but one. (Max Lucado)

A conference of religious scholars once debated the issue of what makes Christianity unique. Some argued that Christianity teaches that God became a man. But it was pointed out that other religions teach similar doctrines. What about the resurrection? Other religions teach about resurrections.

CS Lewis happened to be at the conference and came into the discussion late. When they told him that they were debating the uniqueness of Christianity, he immediately gave the answer: "Oh, that's easy. It's grace."

Today's quote really gets at the basis of a life awash in the grace of Heaven. Such a life doesn't depend upon my effort — it depends upon the good will and the good work of God, which He freely gives to me. Just one thing depends upon me: I must have the central-life desire for God to fill me with His power and presence.

This is my first step. As soon as I am unclear or uncertain about this, the quality of my life diminishes. My thoughts and attitudes quickly go downhill. Joy is replaced by depression; a cheerful spirit by anxiety.

The only solution is for me continually to take the first step.

This act of submission or resignation to a will and to a power greater than my own is the single step that Max Lucado is talking about in today's quote. As soon as I take this first step, the Master takes all the others. And He is always ready for me to take this step. The Bible says that He stands outside the boundaries of my life patiently waiting for me to open the door to permit Him to come in.

We used to sing an old hymn that contained a wonderful verse:

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace
Freely bestowed on all who believe
You who are longing to see His face
Will you this moment His grace receive?

And I answer, "Yes I will! Again! Right this moment!" Today I again take the first step that unlocks His ability to take all the others.

Heavenly Father, thanks for being patient with me through all my life, waiting for me to permit You to come. Thank You that I've finally learned never to keep You waiting; always to take the next "first step" towards You and towards your grace.