By Jean Griffith
I gaze at my “Steps”, yet again. What a wonderful way to meditate on the journey God has for me.
I have this beautiful glass sculpture representing a flight of steps which has much significance to me. This piece stands at 180mm x 110mm. It has 17 steps curving upwards. It starts off wide and narrows to a point as it distances off. It is made of translucent glass and is a golden colour. The steps are cobbled looking giving the impression of a Middle Eastern /European location.
My first thought when I first saw it, was “Steps to heaven” and then so many other images floated in, and I got excited at how God was speaking to me through this art piece.
There are many scriptures pertaining “steps” in the bible. One of them is Prov.16:9 “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps”.
We plan our lives to a tee sometimes without a thought of asking God for his guidance and that can surely lead us the wrong path.
What can these steps be and how can they be turned around for good when we ask him? They can be step of despair turned to step of hope. Step of doubt to step of assurance. Step of unbelief to step of faith.
Another verse is Prov. 20:24 “Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way” This scripture speaks about trusting the Lord, as some things are just too difficult to fathom out. To step out in faith means to take a risk for God, knowing that He is going to catch you and be there with you if anything should happen. As we step out, we are letting God know that we want change.
It signifies our journey, our character building, our hopes, dreams, trials, sufferings, joy and relationships. The journey of our life has been developed into whom we are now.
I love the word “faith” because it challenges me to get out of my comfort zone. I have the assurance that Jesus will help me through the valleys and over the mountains. We can triumph when we fix our eyes on the next step and upwards. This is why I have called this sculpture “Faith Journey”.
Another image reminds me of the empty tomb with the backdrop of the sunlight filtering in, with the glory of God shining through. Jesus didn’t stay in the tomb, he climbed those steps and made a way of salvation for us and giving us a purpose to live.
Acts 4:12 says “Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
He gave us life – eternal life.
And of course, my favourite scripture is from Rev.21:21 “…The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.” Every time I look at my “Steps”, I imagine walking those steps in heaven – walking the golden pavements, the purest of purest – wow!
This is something to look forward to because this is where we will spend eternity.
Jean Griffiths is a wonderful volunteer based in Auckland. She’s the communication liaison for CFFD branches as well as serving on Auckland CFFD committee.