“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD …” Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)

I am not cut out for this.

A week into my running program, I wake up on an ordinary Wednesday morning, and these words linger: I am not cut out for this.

How often I have launched something new, a seed planted in my heart, and then the realities of life and lack of motivation hit me like rocks crashing to the ground.

These words have haunted me for years and still do at times.

I am not cut out for getting up early and spending time in prayer and solitude.
I am not cut out for raising my kids and getting my degree.
I am not cut out for changing my legacy.

But if we’re seeking the heart of God, we know the words “I am not cut out for this” are a lie.

Satan certainly relishes this lie. He whispers, You are not cut out for your dreams. They’re too big, too daunting, too overwhelming. He needs us to stay stuck to pursue his mission.

Oftentimes, Satan insists we focus on the big picture because the big picture is overwhelming. How am I going to accomplish anything with early mornings and small children? we ask. How can I possibly get my degree or run that marathon?

Yet when I began recognizing the lie and paying attention to the vicious cycle of defeat in my life, I started to fight back and take tiny steps toward growth.

David reminds us in Psalm 37:23 that we are cut out for all God has in store: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD …” Are we following the steps ordered by God as He guides our path? Or are we believing the storyline Satan is conducting?

With baby steps, the steps God has ordered for me, I have been able to break down the overwhelming big picture into something manageable. Some days, I feel like I could conquer the world, and other days, I can barely move forward. On hard days, prayer and baby steps have come through for me because those are the days when Satan plans for me to quit. Every day, I can trust that my steps are clearly ordered for me, and I can move forward on the path ordained by God.

“I am not cut out for this” is a lie. I am cut out for this! We are cut out for taking the seeds God plants in our hearts and nurturing them toward growth. Today we can crush the lies hindering our progress.

May we take God-ordained steps toward acknowledging the lies and growing in the ways God has called us to grow.

Dear Jesus, I know You ordained my steps from the beginning of time. Often, I forget You and decide to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. Under that weight, I fall repeatedly. Help me remember I am cut out for all the God-ordained steps You have for me. As I move forward in my day, I’ll take one baby step at a time, trusting solely in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Proverbs 4:12, “When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble” (NIV).

1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (NIV).

What’s one baby step you can take today as you trust the seeds God’s planted in your heart? Share with us in the comments!

© 2024 by Sarah Green. All rights reserved.