THE GOD WHO ORDAINS YOUR STEPS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Proverbs 16:9
Key Verse: “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9
Supporting Texts: Psalm 37:23; Jeremiah 10:23; Romans 8:14; Isaiah 30:21; Psalm 32:8
INTRODUCTION
Life is filled with decisions, transitions, and crossroads that determine outcomes and destinies. While human intellect can plan, strategise, and desire progress, Scripture reveals that true success comes only when God Himself orders a person’s steps. Without divine direction, effort may lead to frustration, delay, or loss.
Many people struggle not because they are lazy or faithless, but because they are walking outside God’s ordained path. Yet the good news is that God is deeply interested in the details of our journey. He does not merely watch from afar; He actively orders footsteps, redirects paths, and preserves lives from unseen dangers.
This message brings assurance that when God ordains your steps, confusion gives way to clarity, wandering gives way to purpose, and uncertainty gives way to confidence. Understanding and trusting divine direction positions you to fulfil destiny without regret.
1. GOD IS INTERESTED IN THE DETAILS OF YOUR JOURNEY
God is not only concerned about destinations but also about the steps that lead there. Every phase of life matters to Him.
God’s guidance reveals His fatherly care and covenant commitment to those who trust Him.
a) God orders steps, not just plans — Psalm 37:23
God directs daily decisions and life processes, not only major life events.
b) Human wisdom is limited without God — Jeremiah 10:23
Man lacks the full capacity to direct his own life apart from divine insight.
c) God sees dangers ahead of time — Psalm 32:8
God guides His people away from hidden traps and destructive paths.
d) Divine direction preserves destiny — Isaiah 30:21
When God speaks, obedience keeps a person aligned with destiny preservation.
Biblical Example:
Abraham — God ordered each step of his journey, from Ur to Canaan, ensuring he arrived at the place of covenant fulfilment (Genesis 12:1-4).
2. GOD ORDAINS YOUR STEPS THROUGH HIS SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is God’s primary instrument for guiding believers in this present age.
When a person yields to the Spirit, confusion is replaced with divine clarity.
a) The Spirit leads God’s children — Romans 8:14
Sons of God are distinguished by consistent submission to divine leading.
b) The Spirit speaks clearly to the obedient — John 16:13
God’s guidance is accessible to those with listening and yielding hearts.
c) Inner witness confirms God’s will — Colossians 3:15
Peace acts as a compass indicating divine direction.
d) Resistance to the Spirit leads to missteps — Acts 7:51
Ignoring divine promptings often results in unnecessary struggles.
Biblical Example:
Philip — The Spirit directed him to the Ethiopian eunuch at the precise time for kingdom impact (Acts 8:26-29).
3. GOD SOMETIMES REDIRECTS STEPS FOR GREATER PURPOSE
Divine redirection is not denial; it is protection and preparation for something better.
God may block certain paths to guide His people into higher purposes.
a) Closed doors are divine instructions — Revelation 3:7
God shuts doors not to frustrate but to reposition His people.
b) Delays often conceal divine strategy — Habakkuk 2:3
What appears slow is often purposeful in God’s timing.
c) Redirection brings better outcomes — Proverbs 19:21
God’s counsel ultimately prevails over human planning.
d) God’s ways are higher than human logic — Isaiah 55:8-9
Trusting God’s path requires humility and faith.
Biblical Example:
Paul — Forbidden from Asia and Bithynia, he was redirected to Macedonia, fulfilling God’s greater plan (Acts 16:6-10).
4. OBEDIENCE IS KEY TO WALKING IN ORDAINED STEPS
Divine guidance produces results only when followed with obedience and faith.
Knowing God’s will without obeying it leads to spiritual stagnation.
a) Obedience brings clarity — John 7:17
Doing God’s will opens understanding of His direction.
b) Faith walks beyond comfort zones — Hebrews 11:8
God’s leading often demands trust beyond visible evidence.
c) Consistency sustains divine direction — Luke 9:62
Remaining focused ensures one does not drift from God’s ordained path.
d) Submission unlocks fulfilment — Isaiah 1:19
Willing obedience brings access to God’s goodness.
Biblical Example:
Ruth — By following Naomi’s counsel and God’s leading, her steps were ordered into destiny fulfilment (Ruth 2:3; 4:13-17).
CONCLUSION
God’s desire is not that His children wander aimlessly or suffer unnecessary losses. He has ordained paths, prepared steps, and designed destinations that reflect His goodness and glory. When you allow Him to lead, every step becomes meaningful and purposeful.
As you yield your plans, ambitions, and movements to the Lord, expect accuracy, preservation, and fulfilment. You will not miss your way, for the God who ordains your steps is guiding you faithfully.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for ordering my steps by Your wisdom.
2. O Lord, deliver me from every wrong direction and misalignment.
3. Holy Spirit, guide my decisions daily with clarity and peace.
4. Father, close every door that is not Your will for my life.
5. O Lord, open doors that will lead me into destiny fulfilment.
6. Father, preserve me from hidden dangers on my journey.
7. Holy Spirit, sharpen my sensitivity to Your leading.
8. O Lord, align my steps with Your timing and purpose.
9. Father, remove confusion and replace it with divine clarity.
10. O God, lead me continually into success and fulfilment.
