By Mayra Duran

Over the last few months I have been reading a fascinating historical novel, which I had originally decided not to read because it contains almost 1,000 pages. When I began the book, I felt like I wasn’t making progress and every chapter felt like an eternity to me. Now that I have read more than half the book I don’t want it to end and I am trying to enjoy every chapter the best that I can. Had I not discovered how extraordinary this book is I never would have dared to take the first step: read the first page.

Thinking about this, I am reminded about how 3 years ago I had the desire to do something for Melvin, a boy who lives here in the village with cerebral palsy, who spends a majority of his time in bed without the ability to walk or talk. With the intentions to help him, I asked God if there was something that I could do for him. And you know what? I didn’t receive any answer and I didn’t dare do anything because it was a big challenge. It wasn’t until one year later that I decided to so something for him. I was encouraged to take the first step and I went to visit him. The first visit was a total disaster as I made him cry with what I had come prepared with for him. I was a little frustrated and it was only the first visit. However, God had it all perfectly planned.

The next week a group from the United States came to El Faro and they were exactly what Melvin needed, physical therapists. It was in that week that the perfect help arrived at Melvin’s house. The physical therapists showed Melvin’s family and me a few exercises that we could use to work with Melvin. Now, after 2 years, he receives physical therapy 2 times a week with the purpose of exercising his bones and muscles. His family has seen big changes physiologically in Melvin’s body. There is no doubt that God does everything in His perfect time and invites us to take small steps to be able to contemplate his great wonders.

Is there something that God has been calling you to do and you haven’t done it? What is stopping you from taking the first step? A lot of the time we wait for distinct confirmation when God is simply inviting us to take the first step. I firmly believe that Melvin’s life has changed greatly all thanks to God, but He wanted someone to take the first step.

     “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.”

-Job 23:10-14 ESV