Footprints In The Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.


So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you."

This is a beautiful poem that I hold dearly to, especially when I am down. It reminds me that my Lord is always there by my side, and will not put me to any test(s) that is beyond what I can take...and when necessary He will even intervene for me!

(You can read more about the background and author of this poem >here< )

As it is written in Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV), let us persevere with what we are pursuing. Rejoice when we score victories, yet look up to our Lord and do not grow weary or lose our hearts when it appeared that we may have been defeated.

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.


Recently I came across another version of this poem which provides a brand new insight:

Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the beach together.

For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures and returns.

For much of the way, it seems to go on like this. But gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, and soon even paralleling His consistently.

You and Jesus are walking as true friends!

This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one.

This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints. They have become one.

This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it was even worse than the beginning!

Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints!

You are amazed and shocked. And so you pray:

"Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But you walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with you."
"That is correct."

"And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in your steps, following you very closely."
"Very good. You have understood everything so far."

"So...when the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like you in every way."
"Precisely!" said Jesus.

"But, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints then separated, and this time it was worse than at first."

There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice.
"You didn't know? It was then that we danced!"


Let us dance with our Lord in the new year!


~~~~~~
Love, INC
YBIC Adrian NG