On your journey of faith, 'stones of stumbling' lie in your way. You desire to walk uprightly before God, but this rugged path upon which you travel draws your attention away from Him.
Instead of keeping your eyes on Jesus Christ, your focus shifts downward. You've concluded that watching where your feet land is a necessary discipline for obedience. Not so ...
Two choices:
1. You can continue to push God aside and wrestle against temptation in your own strength. Your efforts to obey fall short because your walk of faith lacks the very thing that keeps you from falling ... a steadfast belief in His abiding love and sovereign care.
2. You can hold the hand of the Author and Finisher of your faith. It is only out of that connection that secure footfalls come. As you look upon the benevolent countenance of Christ (not the obstacles in your way), you find rest for your weary soul.
You might read the following verses and think ... For Christ to believe that I love Him, I must prove it through 'self-induced' obedience.
Jesus replied, 'Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.' (John 14:23-24)
This passage was not intended as a threat ... but to reveal a wonderful truth.
When you receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, your love for Him unfolds. In that intimate relationship, He graces your walk of faith with obedience that comes from His indwelling, not your own effort.
Don't focus on the road, pilgrim ... trust Christ to guide your steps.
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