God’s Unseen Footprints

Our family has recently been going through some very wonderful times mixed with a big dose of some very scary and stressful times.  

We welcomed our new little granddaughter, Coralynn Grace, into our hearts and arms on April 16.  

But Andrea, who has some autoimmune health issues, had several complications that resulted in a C-section and a huge loss of blood.  Three days after she came home from the hospital, she had to be re-admitted for emergency surgery.  They discovered massive internal bleeding and a large hematoma.  Between the two surgeries, Andrea lost most of her blood volume.  When she was finally dismissed from the hospital, her surgeon said that no one knew how Andrea was still alive because usually that volume of blood loss causes cardiac arrest.  

There are many other issues going on in our lives and theirs currently that have increased the pressure we’re all under by a LOT.  

We’re very thankful for our sweet little baby girl and for God sparing her mama’s life while at the same time feeling like we’re all barely treading water.

During the beginning days of all this crazy time, I opened my Bible one morning and read a favorite Psalm of mine…Psalm 77.  This Psalm begins with words that described our feelings as this journey of ours began, words of worry and sleepless nights…of being so troubled that words would not come…of sighing, distress, and despair.

But then the Psalmist began to remember the past…of God’s wonders as He led Israel out of Egypt…of God showing His great strength…of the holy ways of God.

But those ways of God led Israel to the sea. “Your way was in the sea and your paths in the mighty waters,” the Psalmist said.  

And then this, the truth that I have loved for years in these verses:  “And Your footprints could not be seen.”  

God led His people not only TO the water, but He led them INTO the water.  And there His tracks, His footprints, seemed to end.  They could not be seen in the water.  

Screenshot

And in our lives, this is where faith comes in.  My trust is not in the footprints that I can see. 

My trust is in the God Who is leading me where I can’t see His tracks.  

Sometimes we can’t see His footprints…..

In the cancer.

In the surgeries.

In the dementia.

In the terminal diagnosis.

In the job loss.

In the broken car.

In the wayward child.

In the broken marriage.

In death.

But God is there!  

Right after the Psalmist talked about God’s unseen footprints, he said, “You led Your people like a flock.”  

God loves His sheep, and He is leading us.  He hasn’t forsaken us, and He never will.  

Every unseen step through the deep waters we face is His leading us for our good now and for His glory as we point to Him and follow Him in trust.

I may not always feel the trust in the middle of great stress, but I keep following Him and speaking words of trust anyway.  

“Your way, O God, is holy; what God is great like our God?  You are the God Who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples.”   (Psalm 77:13-14)

Keep following! 

Keep trusting!

And someday you’ll look back and see God’s footprints all over your life.

Unknown's avatar

Author: Patty hesaidwhatks

I'm Patty and I write about our adult son who has Epilepsy and Autism, who still lives with my husband and me, and who is a package full of many surprises and joys and challenges and TALK! Lots of talking, which creates laughter and some other reactions as well. I also write about how God shows Himself to me in everyday life.

19 thoughts on “God’s Unseen Footprints”

  2. “Your way, O God, is holy.” Wow, that is stunning to meditate on. His way is our way too if we are following – or in his arms. Holy no matter what. Thank you so much for the encouraging post. I needed this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Thank you for sharing what God is bringing you through and blessing us along the way. We have been keeping you, your daughter and granddaughter in our prayers. God bless you all with His peace as well as some time to rest.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Coralynn Grace is an absolutely gorgeous baby. So precious! I’m sorry to learn about your daughter’s health challenges and emergency surgeries. Praise God for her recovery. Thank you for sharing your faith, Patty. Keep following! Keep trusting! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Nancy. We think she’s pretty cute ourselves. 🙂 We are so thankful to the Lord for sparing Andrea’s life. And thankful that we have our faithful God whom we can trust.

      Like

      Reply

  6. This post ought to be published in a magazine! Your honesty while tracing your spiritual journey through the recent events you describe–priceless. Encouragement sublime for ALL of us. I especially appreciated your statement:I “I may not always feel the trust in the middle of great stress, but I keep following Him and speaking words of trust anyway.” Golden truth to keep in mind when serious trouble overtakes us. Thank you, Patty!  

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Pingback: God’s Unseen Footprints – QuietMomentsWithGod

  9. “And someday you’ll look back and see God’s footprints all over your life.” This is absolutely true! Great post, Patty. The baby is beautiful. I’m so glad Andrea is recovering. I will be praying for all of you. 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Coralynn is adorable. I’m so thankful for Andrea’s recovery and pray continued strength over her. Your post is encouraging and motivating. Love these words and truths:

    “And in our lives, this is where faith comes in. My trust is not in the footprints that I can see.

    My trust is in the God Who is leading me where I can’t see His tracks.”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to Catsandcoffee Cancel reply