“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong

Many of you may remember when this happened in 1969 when Neil Armstrong stepped out on to the surface of the moon. It was a small step but, wow, history was made. Many things we do begin with small steps, actually, most things we do require a small step to get started. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Let’s look at some “first steps”.

In Joshua 3, we read the story of Joshua leading the Israelites to the Jordan River to cross over to the land God was giving them. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant were to go first. And it says in verse 15-16, “as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing” As soon as they took that first step, the Jordan opened up and God’s people crossed over.

Then there’s that bold, brash Peter who was in the boat with the other disciples on the stormy Sea of Galilee. Jesus came walking to them on the water but they were afraid. But Jesus said, “Don’t fear, it’s Me.” So Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you,”, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come,” (Matthew 14:28-29). Peter took that first, small step and walked on the water! But, just like us sometimes, Peter lost his focus, feared the waves and started to sink. Jesus saved him. He’ll save us too. You may be facing a decision, should I go or not. First, ask God what to do. He will tell you, by the Holy Spirit, what to do. When He is ready, He’ll say, “Go” or “Come”. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8). When He calls, take that first step. “When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And, when you run, you will not stumble.” (Proverbs 4:12). However, if you’re not saved, you have a BIG step to take. But all it takes is that “one small step” to the altar. It’s the biggest and most important step you will ever take. If you’ve fallen away from God, take that small step back to Him. He’s waiting.