A young man timidly approached me and another woman who were serving as prayer partners after church one Sunday. He began to name the things that were wrong with him, all the reasons he needed prayer.

I listened to what he had to say, while inwardly asking God what he would have me do for this man.

After he finished talking, I said, “I think God is really proud of you.”

He looked astounded, as if I hadn’t heard what he had said.

I went on, “You’re seeking him, and he is so proud that you made it here.”

Sometimes the only thing we can do is take one step towards God. It’s easy to get caught up looking at all the things we need to change, but remember, God is so proud of the steps we take toward him.

Like a daddy holding out his hands while a child is learning to walk, so is God holding out his hands towards us. He is calling, wanting us to come with all his heart, though he will never force us.

Like the child walking towards its father for the first time, we may fall on the way. But our daddy God rushes towards us, picks us up, and tells us how happy he is that we took those first steps towards him.

He is so proud of you.

Being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6 NKJV).