Minister’s Message: Taking steps to eternal happiness

Published 5:30 am Friday, August 14, 2026

Summer activity has packed on a lot of steps for runners, hikers, and the not so active. Hiking trails and climbing mountains, running races or walking for fundraisers, or just walking to the river for your favorite fishing spot may involve a lot of steps.

I see joggers continue their runs night or day, sunshine or rain. Devices count their steps as they make their steps count.

Steps is a word that has more than one application. Steps are part of a stairway. A plan of action may have several steps. Is overstepping boundaries into another person’s business an example of steps?

The Bible has a few verses that mention steps.

Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord”. Ordered as in organized, or as in commands? I think both are applicable to the idea of our steps being ordered by the Lord. The Lord can direct our steps according to his plan for us. The outcome will be for our good.

The psalmist prayed, “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” He wanted direction from the word of God. Furthermore, he wanted to be sure that no sin would dominate him. Again, the idea of order is used. This is a strong reminder of how the word of God can be applied to our lives. Determination to follow it is our part of the plan.

Proverbs 16:9 says we make plans but the Lord can determine our steps. This is a good result because we trust the one who knows the end from the beginning. The Bible has many examples of prophetic fulfillment so we can be confident in God’s word coming to pass.

Peter wrote that we should follow in Christ’s steps. Whether that means suffering or rejoicing, hardship or happiness, we can follow in his steps.

Neil Armstrong stepped out of the spacecraft onto the surface of the moon saying, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” When he visited Jerusalem and walked up the steps on the Temple Mount where Jesus walked, he said he was more excited than when he walked on the moon.

Walking with Jesus every day is a good choice. It opens up some amazing possibilities through his promises. His word will come alive as we receive his direction.

It helps to know the end of the story. Jesus conquered death and spent 40 days with his disciples. Before he departed, he directed them back to Jerusalem. Their steps completed a sabbath day’s journey to Jerusalem. They prayed and waited for the promise of the Spirit. When it came, they took steps to tell the whole city and then the regions beyond.

Heaven is described in the Bible as a beautiful place with streets of gold. What will the first steps be like in that wondrous place? I’m going to let the Lord Jesus order my steps so that I can get there. I hope you will too.

Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit the services and sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.