TRACKS IN THE SNOW

A glistening dell,
white-clad and temple-like,
a line of fresh-made tracks
beneath a spruce’s spike,
where winds have not come in
to shake the boughs of snows,
and in a winter’s blue,
the morning sun grows.

It’s here we see a pattern,
while breathing crisp air,
the prints of whitetail deer
preserved in snowy care,
the pointed toes had followed
the ones before them made,
and dainty ones, too,
had crossed the frozen glade.

The wisest and the learned
trust in enduring ways,
through cold and drifted trials
to kinder, warmer days;
so, let us raise a prayer
and speak our human need—
to step within the footsteps
of Sovereign-formed lead.

 
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25


TRACKS IN THE SNOW

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12

Remember when we played ‘Follow the Leader’ as kids? Maybe you have children or grandchildren that play this around the house or outside. When I used to teach music to kindergarten students, they mimicked my motions to a song. They followed me and marched around the music room feeling the beat in their step. They clapped the rhythm of the melody and arched their arms to show musical phrasing, like I did.

Jesus promises the light of life to those who follow Him. What does the ‘light of life’ mean? I think it’s an opportunity to feel the beat of the Holy Spirit, responding, sometimes, with a march in our step due, perhaps, to clear purpose in our heart. It enables better vision to be able to wave our arms in expressions of joy.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Proverbs 29:18

Since God is our Creator, He has the right to make the rules of His creation. Since He is the Designer, He takes full credit for the design. The vision of spiritual eyes is connected with keeping the law of our Creator. Honor Him in faith and He can envision you. Without faith, the way becomes dark and drifts from the light of life.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3

Through prayer, we can directly call upon our Creator. Who would turn down such a opportunity? Or, forget it exists? Who would think you had to go through anyone else? To me, it’s proof God wants a personal relationship with us.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
Matthew 9:9

Jesus calls us to follow Him. I’ve discovered over the years that to be a good follower means to get out of the leader’s way. To be a follower of Jesus Christ means to trust where He leads.  

So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.
Judges 5:31

God raises prophets and prophetesses to speak what He commands. Deborah, a prophetess who led Israel, received God's words. She led the army to victory despite Barak second guessing God's authority. Because of that, God told Deborah to tell Barak the honor of Sisera's fall would go to Jael, a woman. And, it did. Deborah followed in the tracks of God acknowledging His might and goodness shining bright as the sun on those who love Him. 

Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.
Deuteronomy 5:33

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.
Deuteronomy 13:4

The deer take the path of least resistance. They follow a path already broken from the one who broke trail. Creation reminds us to trust God's lead and that it will be for our best.  

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
Jeremiah 6:16

God is the God of Light and not of confusion. If things aren’t clear when you’re standing in the crossroads, seek God for clarity. If you don’t ask, God granting your request is much slimmer. Don't be like the ones who didn't want to walk it. When you find others walking on the same faith road, be encouraged. And that’s another thing that could be granted if requested: friends to walk with.

Order my steps in thy word; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Psalm 119:133

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.
1 Peter 2:21

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Habakkuk 2:1-3


With tracks set before us by Jesus Christ, the promised ‘light of life’ and blessings for our children, let us walk in our integrity, even if little by little, with patience.