I was done with my chore, and the only thing left for me to do was to get in the car and drive home. I sat, put on my seatbelt, did all the other routine things (or so I thought), and I was ready to go. The car wasn’t moving. The engine turned over, but the wheels weren’t cooperating. I turned off the car and went outside to see which wheel was skidding, but to my surprise there weren’t any stones or loose particles under any of the wheels.

I got back inside, put on my seatbelt, and started running down the pre-takeoff checklist again. I hit the gas, and I was off. This time around the parking brake was down, and all four wheels were more than happy to cooperate.

Sometimes we miss simple steps in our routines that prevent us from moving forward. This is not only true for everyday tasks but also for our spiritual lives. No wonder Proverbs 4:26 urges us to be steadfast and think carefully to be ready for takeoff.

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. (Proverbs 4:26 NIV)

Overlooking, forgetting, or ignoring simple things may prevent us from taking off spiritually. This is why we have to think carefully about the path we want to take even before making the first step.

Are you willing to go through the items on the checklist one by one to make sure you don’t get stuck on your spiritual journey? Will you do the needed introspection and troubleshooting? Will you remain stuck, or will you release the parking brake before taking off?

Pledge today to ponder the path of your feet so that you may have certainty in what you are about to do.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

I thank you for the wise counsel found in Proverbs 4:26. Help me to be mindful of what I plan to do, where I plan to go, and how I plan to get there. Lord, remind me not to take shortcuts, take away forgetfulness so I don’t miss important steps, and help me to do everything that will help me to be ready for take-off on my spiritual journey. Heavenly Father, release the parking brake that is hindering my spiritual take-off. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.