You’ve probably seen or heard of this poem before–I first read it years ago, and just saw it quoted again in a book I’m currently reading. I thought I’d share it because it’s such a well-loved piece of writing that has touched so many people. There are actually several different but very similar versions of this poem attributed to different authors. This is the version I’m most familiar with…

FOOTPRINTS

One night I dreamed a dream.

I was walking along the beach with my Lord.

Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,

one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

 

When the last scene of my life shot before me

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

There was only one set of footprints.

I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life.

This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord

about my dilemma.

 

“Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You,

You would walk and talk with me all the way.

But I’m aware that during the most troublesome times of my life

there is only one set of footprints.

I just don’t understand why,

when I needed You most, You leave me.”

 

He whispered, “My precious child,

I love you and will never leave you,

never, ever, during your trials and testings.

When you saw only one set of footprints

it was then that I carried you.”

–Margaret Fishback Powers

It’s comforting to know God is with us every step of our journey! When we’re feeling overwhelmed with life’s struggles, we may not sense His nearness, but we can trust that He is always, always there.

“I am with you always.” MATTHEW 28:20 KJV