For those unfamiliar with cow and horse pastures, both species "do their business", whenever the occasion arises, resulting in the fall of manure upon the ground. Regardless of what you're wearing it pays to watch where you're stepping. The same is true in life. There's a lot of "stuff" that can fall along our life's path, things which the devil wants us to step in, so to speak, things which God wants us to avoid. The only way to avoid the devil's messes is to watch where we're stepping, taking corrective action whenever necessary. So, how do we do this? How do we keep our steps clean?

Psalms 37:23 states that the steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord. In other words God has a plan for each person to fulfill, one planned step at a time. God never shows His whole plan to anyone, He reveals it one step at a time, expecting us to trust Him step by step. This is faith: taking the step you know to take without knowing where it will lead.

As I mentioned earlier the devil has "stuff" he wants us to step in along our way. Stuff like sickness, disease, poverty, unforgiveness, strife, doubt, and pride. None of these are good; none come from God. Being all wise, all of God's (wise) ways are ways of pleasantness; all of wisdom's paths are peace. Not always easy; not always simple.

Life isn't easy, nor is it always fair. God's ways, stepping where He says to, will sometimes seem too hard or just not worth it. Remember this, though: God always provides the way-the steps if you will-to accomplish His plan for your life. What may seem to be impossible to you may be the very step that God wants you to take, trusting Him to show you each next step, Yes, your shoes may stink at times, but God will clean you as you go, plus provide everything you need, including the right footwear.

If we're not careful, we can get sidetracked from the steps God has ordered for us. Steps which start out more convenient can quickly turn to regret. If this is you, don't go another step. Ask God to forgive you for stepping away from His path, then show you where/how to get back to walking in the step He's ordered (prepared) for you to walk in.

Watching where you're stepping doesn't mean ignoring what's around you. It means not letting anyone or anything keep you from being focused on stepping where/when God says, from walking in the way He wants you to go.

So, what's your next step? If you don't know, ask God to show you. If you do know, be obedient to to take it, trusting God with the outcome. And watch where you're stepping.