In life there are stepping stones much like those meticulously placed in ponds and streams by landscape architects and gardeners. They bridge the gap between one piece of solid ground and another. Recently, I have found myself standing on shaky ground. A loved one is going through a serious health concern and because of that I have come face to face with the fragility of life. It is in times like these that my stones of faith have been laid. Each stone represents an experience in life, a lesson learned, and a step of faith. And each stone has carried me to a place of deeper fellowship with the Lord.

We shouldn’t be surprised when difficulties come our way, but instead, consider them times to better learn to fully depend on Him. When we realize that each of our trials is an opportunity to see God at work and to be a witness of His greatness for others, our faith is grown and His glory shared. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed”(I Peter 1:6-7).

Our response in times of trouble is crucial. It is not the time to waiver in our faith, but instead, to turn to Him for support and direction. It is easy to try to depend on our own strength, but we will find that by doing so our efforts are fruitless. We will sink in the stressful moments that are sure to come our way. But, God offers calm in the midst of the storm and stepping stones in the middle of deep waters. “Jesus stood up and commanded the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind stopped, and it became completely calm”(Mark 4:39).  And in those calm moments His loving strength is revealed. When we focus on Christ, He will show us the higher ground which leads us over the water.

Are you going through a situation in your life that you can’t handle on your own? Then look to the Lord. He longs to comfort you and bring peace into your life. He is strong enough for all your burdens! With each trial you give to Him, He will lay another stepping stone before you upon which to firmly place your feet while you travel through deep water. I am praising God for the stepping stones of my faith, each lovingly and beautifully placed by the faithful hands of Christ.

Living for Him,





Be sure to join Lynn at her blog, Spiritually Unequal Marriage, for more on this Thankful Thursday!

20 Comments

  1. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed”(I Peter 1:6-7).

    Oh Joan, what a wonderful post. You are so right. Thank you for sharing from your heart. I am holding you up. Have a wonderful TT. Hugs, Lynn

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  2. A beautiful peace of writing, Joan. I'm always blessed and encouraged when I visit. When our foundation is on the Rock, we can stand firm. Lifting your loved one up in prayer.

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  3. Wise words Joan. Keep your eyes on Jesus in the midst of uncertainty. And call on your sisters in Christ for prayer. I'm right here beside you even though I may be many miles away. I love how we can pray and encourage one another.

    Love you,
    Debbie

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  4. Oh, Joan, you are such amazing writer. Yes, I have some heavy burdens on my heart over the last couple of weeks. But I have to give them to Him, otherwise I am sinking deep...Thank you for the encouraging words and the marvelous Scripture passages you have shared here.

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  5. This is a beautiful post. We are currently going through a stormy time, but I know that my faith will be stronger because of it. Thank you for this perspective. I'll pray for your family member.

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  6. Stepping Stones of Faith....Good visual..loved it!

    Blessings
    Bernice

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  7. Stepping stones of Faith...awe! He places them one at a time, just at the right time, right where we need them to be! Thank you Jesus!
    Happy TT day Joan!
    Love,
    Julie

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  8. Beautiful post! So true! Love the stepping stone illustration.

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  9. my prayers for your loved one.

    and Praise Him that He is God and we aren't! Only He has the strength to carry us through sometimes.

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  10. I'm trying to write about this very thing today, but something isn't clicking...

    This has been a shaky season in my faith journey; thank God for his grip around me. He anchors me to his heart and with grand thoughts of home!

    peace~elaine

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  11. "With each trial you give to Him, He will lay another stepping stone before you upon which to firmly place your feet while you travel through deep water."...amen to that! All other ground is sinking sand....

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  12. Thank you for the encouraging words. The Lord is good for letting me read your post. I feel that He is working in my life in this time of trials.

    Blessings!

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  13. I am also thankful for the stepping stones in my life.

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  14. Beautiful imagery in words here. So sorry about your loved one's health. I have some family on my end with chronic health issues too. It's hard but your wisdom and direction is right on. Thank you. I appreciate your heart and the way you express yourself, both are beautiful.

    Love from Colorado,
    tiffany

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  15. Great advice. Have a wonderful evening!

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  16. You have a beautiful blog, Joan! I've been enjoying reading your inspiring posts and am following you. Thank you for the blessing in my day.

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  17. Giving thanks in our trials and seeing them as stepping stones towards growing in righteousness. Thanks for this post, sweet friend. I was needed.

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  18. Hi Joan,

    Thank God that the trials in our lives are God's ways of drawing us closer to Himself and enabling us to grow in Him. It has been my personal experiences too. Thanks for sharing with us. Thanks for your visit and encouragement. Take care and have a blessed day.

    Warm regards,
    Nancie

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  19. Thankful that Jesus is my Rock and I can stand on Him whatever life may bring.

    Beautiful sharing here Joan.

    Blessings and peace to you!

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  20. Joan,
    I am so glad that I've met you!
    Praising GOD for His support, peace, encouragement and healing in your life and family.
    As we trust GOD, He proves His love over and over.
    ((HUGS))

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