STEPS by John OrtbergSample

THE REPETITION: CONTINUAL INVENTORY

We don’t usually have an intentional strategy when it comes to how we approach pain.

How will you face all the heartbreak life will hold for you? How will you grow into the person God wants you to become? The answer is the same for all of us, and it’s really simple: one day at a time.

Step 10 teaches us to take what we’ve learned so far and practice it daily. It’s about making the principles of the steps—honesty, humility, surrender, confession, and amends—a rhythm in our lives. This step isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being intentional.

In Matthew 6:34, Jesus says, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Worrying about the future or clinging to the past overwhelms us. But when we focus on today—on what God is doing right now—we find His grace sufficient for the moment.

Here’s how Step 10 works in practice:

First, we engage in a daily review. At the end of each day, we take inventory:

• Where did we act in alignment with God’s will?
• Where did we fall short?
• Did we harm anyone or miss an opportunity to love?

We give thanks for our blessings, confess our wrongs, and seek forgiveness from God and others where needed. Then we look forward to tomorrow, trusting that God will meet us there.

Second, we practice spot checks throughout the day. When we feel off—angry, restless, or uneasy—we pause and ask:

• What’s going on in my heart?
• Is this leading me closer to God or farther away?

These moments of reflection help us course-correct, realigning with God’s guidance.

Step 10 is not about crossing a finish line (none of the steps are, really). It’s about making spiritual growth a daily habit. We live one day at a time, trusting God with each step. As we do, we discover that the present moment—this day—is His gift to us.

TODAY'S INVITATION:

Take a moment for a spot check. What are you feeling right now? What are you thinking? Is there anything you need to confess or set right? Offer it to God, and ask Him to guide you in this moment.

Let today be enough. Let grace meet you here.