We recently spoke with a dear sister who shared an image that stayed with me: a little girl walking hand in hand with her father. At one point, she let go and ran ahead. When she turned back to look at him, she lost her footing and fell off a cliff.

That picture pierced my heart. It reminded me of our daughters when they were small. If their hands were in ours and they stumbled, they never truly fell; our grip would pull them back to safety. But when they ran ahead, too excited to stay close, the risk of falling and staying down was so much greater.

Running forward is rarely rebellion. It’s often zeal, excitement, and a desire to reach the destination faster. Yet beneath that energy can hide subtler things a little pride, a little impatience, and a quiet belief that we can do it better or faster than the Father.

Walking with Him means trusting His timing even when the path winds or the pace feels still. It’s learning that maturity isn’t found in how quickly we arrive, but in how deeply we depend on Him along the way. When we let Him set the pace, every step whether forward, paused, or waiting becomes part of our becoming.

God isn’t rushing us to the next place. He’s shaping our steps to walk with Him, not ahead of Him. When we stay close hand in hand our pace may feel slower, but our footing is sure. And even when we stumble, we do not fall, because He holds us steady.

The Father knows when we are ready for the next step and when the time is right for us to move. Sometimes, His pauses are not delays but protection; moments where He strengthens our faith, refines our hearts, and teaches us to trust His rhythm more than our own. What feels like waiting is often the sacred space where He prepares us to carry what’s coming next.

1. Reach back: If you’ve been running, pause and take His hand again in prayer.
2. Match His pace: Ask, “Lord, what is Your rhythm for today?”
3. Trust the grip: When you stumble, let His hold not your strength steady you.
4. Stay near: Keep short accounts; return quickly when you drift.