Stepping Stones

Sometimes our problems block the view,

and we can’t see which way to go.
But God always makes a way out

through rocks and rubble on the road.
Don’t let them be a hindrance;

let Jesus help you lift the load.
Just pick up those rocks and move them.
Turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

With each valley we come through wiser;
with each trial we overcome,
we’re laying down those stepping stones
that lead to higher ground.
If all we see are stumbling blocks

in every trial that comes our way,
then we’re bound to trip and stumble,

on something meant to make us strong.
Don’t look for tribulation,

when there’s a blessing down the road.
Find the good that God is working.
Turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

With each valley we come through wiser;
with each trial we overcome,
we’re laying down those stepping stones
that lead to higher ground.
The sudden illness of a child;

the loss of everything we own,
or the passing of a loved one,

can leave us feeling so alone.
This life and all it’s troubles can bring us down so very low.
If we stay down on our knees,
we’ll turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
With each valley we come through wiser;
with each trial we overcome,
we’re laying down those stepping stones
that lead to higher ground.

Let those stepping stones lead you to higher ground.

©Deborah Bolack 2004

Our youth leader preached a message called Stepping Stones. I’ve since heard others talk about turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones, but at the time it was a new expression to me; one that called out to be a song!
In the months after writing this song, as we continued to have flooding problems in our basement, this song took on a more personal meaning. When we decided to move our house closer to town, we knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that we were following the Lord’s will. Had we not been completely convinced of this, we surely would have questioned our decision many times along the way. As it was, the Lord gave us complete peace throughout the whole ordeal, in spite of a lot of headaches!
He had brought us far enough on this journey that one thing we knew for sure: following God’s will doesn’t always mean that the road he takes us down is going to be the easy one. In fact, it’s often our own detours that make it necessary for the Lord to take us down a more difficult path. But in spite of all our missteps the Lord is always there waiting to lead us on. If only we listen, he’ll show us how to turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones. And oh, what peace we find when we’re once again walking in his light!

1 Peter 2:6-8 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
Proverbs 3:21b,23 keep sound wisdom and discretion:
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose.