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“The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.” Proverbs 28:18 ESV)

“Watch your step.”  How many times have I heard those words this winter? The snow and ice mix we had earlier this month made for some tricky commutes and slippery walks across parking lots. Even I uttered those words to my nephew, who is recovering from a serious car accident.  He’s a huge fall risk navigating a walker without being able to put much weight on either foot. And then there’s my mom who shuffles her precious feet across the floor with cane in hand. Yes, no one wants to fall regardless of their age.

Falling is one of the most common accidents that cause a loss in the quality of life for older adults. Believe it or not,  some of us are in that category.  So what’s the main culprit? Carelessness, obstacles in our path, distractions, weak muscles, etc. are all at the top of the list. Most of which could be prevented with a little intentional intervention.

You may be wondering why all this talk about falling? Well, sweet friends, we all fall. Now we may not hit the ground literally, but we’ve all fallen spiritually. We live in a broken world with broken people and no matter how hard we try, God’s word reminds us none are righteous (Romans 3:11). We miss the mark daily  – we fall short of God’s design (Romans 3:23). Repetitive sin makes us unstable, and it’s amazing how the same obstacles keep tripping us up time and time again.

To prevent physical falls, we must identify the cause and create strategies to avoid another unwanted hit to the floor. We often need the assistance of others or at least walkers and canes to stabilize us. To prevent spiritual falls, we must do the same. By identifying those repetitive temptations and sins, we can with God’s help develop strategies to eliminate their occurrence. And we, too, need assistance – the Holy Spirit strengthening us and godly counsel to keep us stable and free from stumbling.

Confession isn’t optional when we unveil the source of our falls, and our gracious God stands with open arms full of mercy offering us forgiveness. Accountability is critical if we want to avoid the devastating effects of stumbling in the darkness. We need those who will walk alongside us, cautioning us (watch your step) when we entertain another fall. We need those who will speak truth over us and share their faith journey so together we can be victorious over the attacks of our enemy.

Bottom line – falling is no fun whether it’s physically or spiritually. Both involve pain and healing. So if we find ourselves face planted to the ground with sin crouching at our door, let’s take the way of escape (I Corinthians 10:13).  Let’s purposefully choose to stay clear of any obstacle in our path and strategically determine that 2025 is the year we avoid the devastating consequences of another fall. Our God is our ever present help committed to positioning us for His best if we choose to heed His voice and follow after His heart.

“Father, clear our pathways so we can avoid stumbling into darkness. Remind us that prayer and the power of Your word are our greatest weapons against the enemy’s attacks. We can be victorious if we cling to and obey Your truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life