Lately, on my morning walks I’ve been adding a few extra steps by walking a little farther down each end of the street that I walk. These few steps amounted to an overall increase to my walk by about 5/10 of a mile. It may not seem like much but there is definitely a sense of reward in this because I like seeing and hearing the results on my fitness tracker. Every time I pass a mile, the fitness tracker speaks to me and lets me know I completed another mile. I see the result when I realize that I am reaching that mile marker a little sooner on my walk than I had before. I never would have dreamed that a few extra steps would add up like this and it got me thinking.

What if we take a few extra steps with God? The best reason I can think of is that James 4:8 promises when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. Considering all the uncertainty that we are living in currently, I can use all the comfort and closeness to my Father who promises to care for me (1 Pet. 5:7). How do we take these extra steps? Take a few minutes each day to read His Word that provides us with all the instruction, direction, correction and assurance we need (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Reading is not enough, we need to take a few minutes to meditate on the meaning and the impact of His words on our day-to-day activities (Joshua 1:8). Finally take some time to talk with God and listen for His answer in prayer. We don’t have to be fancy or long winded, but be direct and have an open mind for His response. The answer of an all-wise, all-knowing God provides peace and understanding that nobody on earth can provide (Philippians 4:7).

Each time I walk now, I am looking for a way to take a few extra steps. I am also challenging myself to spend a few more minutes each day with God. What about you? Will you challenge yourself to extend in areas where you want to see progress? More importantly will you challenge yourself to draw nearer to God? The rewards are immeasurable.