ONLY ONE STEP, AND THEN ANOTHER.
By Vesta J. Olsen
So said a little boy in my hearing a few days ago, when asked by his mother to do something. “Only one step and then another, mamma, and it will be done.” I thought how good it would be if we, as children of our Father in Heaven, would only trust in his promises, looking to him for help to take one step and then another. Not much effort, nor a very long time, is required to take one step, and we only get discouraged by looking at the long journey before us, and thinking of its length and dreariness. God always gives the needed strength to take one advance step. Life is made up of little things, and our danger lies in neglecting these, wishing and waiting for some great thing to do. We must be faithful over a few things before we can be ruler over many. The kind word, the smile, the tear for the afflicted, patient and persevering efforts to advance the cause of truth, though humble they may seem to be, may be the very steps we need to bring us near our Father and fit us for his kingdom. The sinner takes but one step at a time in the downward road. The backslider does not become such in a day. But little acts, little distrusts and neglects, grieve away the Spirit of God, which is only gained again by sorrowful repentance and bitter tears. We need to patiently continue in well doing. The reward will amply repay us for the weariness of the toilsome journey our feet now travel. The rest will soon come,—sweet rest at home with God. Fellow traveler, way-marks show us that the journey is nearly done. The holy city almost appears in view. Let us quicken our pace lest its pearly gates close against us, and our journey prove to be in vain. Remember, it is only one step and then another, and we soon will be there.