During my working career, for a period of about ten years, I travelled considerably. We were stationed in Europe at that time, and I flew to many different countries. When checking in at each airport, I would be told to which gate to go, and in many places, big overhead signs would show the direction, sometimes involving a long walk down crowded corridors.

For those who did not want to walk all that distance, there were moving walkways, also known as autowalks, moving sidewalks, or travelators. They are slow-moving conveyor mechanisms that transport people to the various departure gates for short or medium distances.

Where a moving walkway is about to end, there is a voice warning, like "Mind your step", that there is a change ahead, and that the passenger has to be careful. On occasion, I have seen that a person who did not pay attention would stumble and almost fall at the end or even at the beginning of a moving walkway.

As we walk on the road of life, there are times when we stumble, times when we struggle, times when we are discouraged, times when we doubt or rebel. But we are not unique. Even the disciples, who were with Jesus almost every day, had times when they did not walk in the way that Jesus had taught and instructed them.

They told parents to go away when they brought their little children to see Jesus.

They were afraid during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, even when Jesus was with them.

Judas was so unhappy with Jesus that he betrayed Him to the authorities.

Peter denied that he even knew Jesus — three times, no less.

Most of the disciples abandoned Jesus at the time of His trial and crucifixion.

Thomas doubted that it really was Jesus when He came to the disciples after His resurrection.

It appears that they, too, stumbled at various times in their lives. They did not heed the words of comfort that Jesus spoke all the time that they were with Him. But we also know that after Jesus ascended to heaven, they went out and preached the gospel boldly and with power. In Peter's letter to the new Christians, probably in the area of what is now eastern Turkey, he wrote to tell them that even when they stumbled, God would be with them.

1 Peter 2:21 – For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps. (NKJV)

It is difficult at times to follow in Jesus' steps, and there are times when we, too, will stumble. During those times, we need to hear His words, "Mind your step."

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we confess that there are times when we do not walk in the paths of righteousness, times when we fail to listen to Your words. When we do, we ask that You would forgive us and guide us in Your way. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Joel Jongkind <austria67@bmts.com>
Meaford, Ontario, Canada
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