Footprints in Life

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 4:12-16

“I’ve got bad news for you,” announced Mom one morning when

Grace and Elijah came down to breakfast. Mom tried to look sad,

but her eyes were twinkling. “I just got a text that said school is canceled

today because of the snowstorm. Too many roads are closed.”

“All right!” said Grace. “Let’s hurry up and have breakfast, Elijah,

and then go play in the snow.” Elijah nodded eagerly, and they sat

down to eat.

Soon Grace and Elijah were making snow angels, jumping in the huge drifts, and having snowball fights. Then they decided to join several neighbor kids who were playing in a nearby empty lot. They laughed as they made their way through the deep snow on the unplowed sidewalk.

They had been playing with the other kids only a few minutes when they heard a small voice. “Hi, Grace! I play too.”

Turning, they saw the little girl who lived next door to them. “Samora must have followed us over here!” said Grace. “I’ll have to take her home.” She took Samora’s hand and they headed back.

Samora’s mother had been looking for her. She was relieved to see them, and Grace explained what had happened. “I step where Grace steps,” said Samora happily. She giggled as she demonstrated, taking long strides in order to step in Grace’s footprints. “It’s fun.”

As Elijah and Grace ate lunch that afternoon, they told their mom about the fun they’d had in the snow and about little Samora who had followed them, stepping in Grace’s footprints. Mom nodded. “Someone usually is following us. That’s a good thing to remember.”

“What do you mean?” asked Grace. “Samora never followed us before.”

“Samora saw how much fun you were having and wanted to join in, so she followed your footprints in the snow,” Mom said. “Others often follow our footprints in life in a similar way. When we show others Jesus’ love and forgiveness, it can make them want to get to know Him better. Your example may lead people to Jesus and help other Christians grow in their faith. When they see the joy you have in following Him, they’ll want to follow Him too!” -Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

What kind of example are you setting for others to follow? Can they see the joy you have in knowing Jesus? Do your words and actions show the difference He’s made in your life? As you walk with Jesus, be a good example in how you live your life. As you walk in His footsteps, your example may lead others to want to follow Him too!

Today’s Key Verse:
Titus 2:7 You should be an example for them in every way by the good things you do. (ERV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be a good example