God Directs our Steps

A man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Thank Goodness! That’s my response to this verse. I am a planner and can’t go to sleep at night without writing my to-do list for the next day. If the future is uncertain, this makes me anxious. If I have a plan, I feel secure that things are under control. My control, that is, according to my plans.

It is not wrong to plan for the future, be it for the next day or the next decade. But what if my plans are not God-pleasing, not what He has in mind? Well, here we have a promise from God that no matter what plans we come up with, He will direct our steps. Our “steps” are the small, one-by-one actions that make up the comprehensive journey.

Yes, God will direct our steps. But that means we need to listen and watch for His directions! The Bible, God’s Word, “is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Reading the Bible with an open heart and humble mind each day is essential for learning God’s directive steps. And as we get to know God more and more through His Son, Jesus Christ, (John 14:6) God transforms us. He creates in the believer a new heart and a new Spirit (Psalm 51:10) and renews your mind (Romans 12:1) So, eventually, God’s plans become my plans. Now that makes me feel secure!

This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3

Speaking of steps, let’s do some step back lunges! This may sound intimidating, but I will teach you the safe, beginner version. Last week we were at the wall doing wall push-ups (Click here to review those.), so you could easily do the step back lunges after you finish your wall push-ups. Also, lunges are based on the squat, so if you have not learned the squat, you should definitely practice that first. You may click here to learn squats. The major muscles we will use are the gluts (the buttocks) and the quadriceps (on the front of the thigh).

To start, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart facing and holding onto a counter top or a wall for support. When learning a new exercise I recommend that you remove distractions and concentrate fully on what each part of your body is doing so that you can learn proper technique. Your knees and toes should be pointing straight ahead and your hips should be level.

Now reach straight back with your right leg and place the ball of your right foot on the floor. (You should feel like you are reaching back with that leg.) Bend both knees and sink down until you feel your quadriceps

working, as shown in the photo. Your right heel is off the floor and your weight is being carried by both legs. Hold here and glance down to make sure your left knee is behind your toes and that both feet are pointing straight ahead. Hold for a count of six.

For the next phase, push off on that right foot and bring your leg to the starting position again. Your left leg will momentarily bear all of your weight, but that is part of the strengthening as well as balance practice! Don’t forget to hold onto the wall. (Once your balance improves, you may not need to hold on. The goal though, is to progress to the point where you can do the lunges without holding on to anything.) Keep your torso upright and your hips level.

Repeat again with the right leg and gradually build up to twelve reps. Then switch and do step back lunges with the left leg. Another option is to alternate legs or do two on each leg before switching. You may do step back lunges three times per week (with a day in between), but at least twice per week. Remember that if you are not sure if an exercise is appropriate for you, check with your physician first. If you have any pain, do not continue the exercise!

You might want to stretch your quadriceps right after you finish the lunges,

as shown in the photo at left. Click here to review the quad stretch more thoroughly.

Later, we will build onto your skills and learn other types of lunges. Lunges will strengthen your legs and hips, as well as improve balance and coordination, all of which are so important for daily activities. This is why you will want to make step back lunges part of your Length and Strength routine!

Photo credits: Håkan Dahlströmphotos Creative Commons, L.E. Lang collection