Remember Your Footprints Moments

We’ve all had them.  Footprints moments.  Moments when God has gotten you through some hard times.

Do you remember the “Footprints” story?  It’s a beautiful picture story of how the Lord carries us through the difficult times in life.  If you don’t remember it or have never read it, you can read it below.  It is often used on various Christian gifts and cards.   It is unknown who wrote the story, but as many as six people have claimed authorship of it.

I like to read the “Footprints” story every so often.  It always inspires me.  The last time I read it, I thought about how many footprints moments we all have in our lives. 

Footprints quickly wash away from a sandy beach, but the Lord’s footprints should remain on our heart.  In this busy world, we so easily forget all that God has done for us.  When we’ve been through something difficult, we usually just want to forget about it. 

Sometimes we need to remember.  Sometimes we need to remember all the challenging times He has helped us with.  If we only would remember them, they would be a source of encouragement and comfort to ourselves and others.   

When times get tough, close your eyes and look at that sandy beach you are walking on.  How many sets of footprints do you see?   

Life is busy.  With all you have going on, there are so many things to focus on.  How can you remember?   How can you remind yourself of all that He has done for you?  Read the bible.  Write about your struggles in a journal.  Pray.  Write your prayers in a prayer journal.  Follow up.  Write down how God got you through those struggles.  Was it easy?  Probably not.  Did it take some time?  Maybe.  And that is why you need to remember.  That is why you need to remember the struggles, the pain, the grief, the illness, the burdens, and the sorrow.  You need to remember them to remind yourself that God got you through it.  You need to remember them to find the courage to keep on keeping on.   

You need to kick off your sandals and have a conversation.  “It’s hard to walk on this sandy beach, Lord.  I feel like my feet are sinking into the sand.  I am growing weary.  I am discouraged.  I can’t do this alone.  I need your help.   I know you will see me through this.  Even though I don’t know your plan, I know you will work this to the good, as you always do.  Please help me get through this.  Forgive me of my sins.  Lead me on the path you would have me go.  Give me the right attitude.  Oh, and Lord, I am so grateful for your love and care.  I thank you for all the times you have been with me and helped me through life’s quicksand.  I trust you to carry me once again, Lord.  And when you are done carrying me, help me to put my sandals back on and continue to walk beside you on that sandy beach of life.  Give me your grace and peace Lord, as I put my trust in you to see me through these challenging times.  I ask these things in Jesus name.  Amen.”   

Thinking about this inspired me to write my own response to the original Footprints story.  It is called “Remember Your Footprints Moments.”   I hope that you will remember your footprints moments.  I hope that remembering all that He has done for you in the past will help you get through the challenges of today and tomorrow.