Baby Steps

If you've ever helped a baby learn to walk, you've received a glimpse of what it's like to be God.

Once a baby has learned to crawl up on things and stand using the support of that thing upon which he/she has crawled, then baby steps begin. Sofas were great for this stage of development at our house. Our children learned to walk the length of the couch before venturing over to outstretched arms in the recliner across the way. When they were brave enough to leave the safety of the couch, we would hold their hands as they stumbled and wobbled across the room.

At just the right time, when their balance was more consistent and their confidence sure, we would let go of their hand and the independence began. We clapped. We snapped pictures. We hit "Play" on the video camera. We called grandparents and friends. Our baby has learned how to walk!

Then they fell. Usually, and conveniently, on their padded and diapered bottom. Sometimes the fall would bring laughter and sometimes it would bring tears. Persistence was key. Over time, they would master this basic skill and an entirely new stage of life would begin for both the child and the parents.

Sometimes God lets go of our hand in order to help us grow in spiritual maturity. Have you ever been through a stage in life wondering "Where is God?" It's no surprise that we develop our spiritual lives in the valleys more so than on the mountaintops. At times when we are in the valleys of life looking up, we can't find God. Why is that?

C.S. Lewis wrote, "He wants them (believers) to learn to walk and must therefore take away His hand; and if only the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles."

Lewis also wrote, "Sooner or later He withdraws, if not in fact, at least from their conscious experience, all those supports and incentives. He leaves the creature (i.e., believer) to stand up on its own legs - to carry out from the will alone duties which have lost all relish. It is during such trough periods, much more than during the peak periods, that it is growing into the sort of creature (i.e., person) He wants it to be."

These periods of God letting go are opportunities for our faith to shine. Lewis also wrote that the prayers offered during these dry times are those which please God the most. It is in the valleys when we look to God for hope. It is in the valleys when we reach down deep in our souls for faith. It is in the valleys when we determine that we will love God and be obedient no matter the cost.

These are the times that stretch us and challenge us to believe and trust the core values of our faith.

As we stumble along, fall, get up, take a few more steps, fall again, more steps, fall, cry, and get up for more baby steps - determined to master this walk of faith - our Father walks patiently behind us with a proud smile saying to the angels in heaven, "Look! My child is learning how to walk the walk of faith!"

And the angels rejoice.


* C.S. Lewis quotes are from the The Screwtape Letters