Last year, my best friend began a journey to lose weight. He decided to call his journey 12 million steps, based on the common 12 step programs to recover from addiction. He figured it would take at least 12 million steps to lose the over 200 pounds he set as a goal for himself. He is basically trying to lose my entire body weight. That will bring him down to a much healthier 200 pounds or less. He finally realized that at 405 pounds, he wasn't healthy. 
For over a year, he has stuck with his walking regimen and has followed the Weight Watchers program. He is down over 50 pounds and I am extremely proud of him. I know it is hard to have such a drastic change of lifestyle. 
On the contrary, it is easy for us to get mired down in the things of this world. We let the world take over us. We are caught up in the questionable morals of a society bent of violence, drugs, promiscuity, and excess. We are entertained by the wealthy showing off their houses (cribs) and cars, or the extravagant birthday bashes. We watch religiously shows advertising idols and cheer on our favorites. We don't speak out about the shows on television that promote sex outside of marriage. 
Eventually, we are worn down, we become complacent and apathetic and we find ourselves away from God. We find ourselves in such an embarrasing situation or so deep in slavery to sin, that we are crushed by the weight and, in some situations, feel that we are too far gone. Unlike my friend's weight-loss journey, our return to God's side does not take 12 million steps. All you have to do is turn away from the sin and immorality that is keeping you from God and He is right there to meet you. No matter how far you have drifted, no matter how dirty you are, no matter what you have done, God is ready to embrace a repentant soul.
My friend will look different at the end of his journey. Already, you can see changes in physique as well as happiness. When you give your life to God, He will make you a new creation. I know that God saved me from the sins of my youth. I was in horrible places doing horrible things. But God made me a new creation. Talk about an extreme makeover! He can do the same for you no matter where you have been or what you have done. And just like my friend, you will be much happier simply because you know God as your Lord and Savior.


If you get a chance, visit my friend's blog and give him words of encouragement. The address is: 12millionsteps.blogspot.com. It is a difficult journey for him to complete such a monumental task. I have known my friend for many years. We have helped each other through difficult times, and we have spent many evenings just laughing. I think he will succeed in his quest, but I don't think it will bring him true happiness. You see, I fear that he does not have a personal relationship with his Creator. While he knows God, he does not live to glorify God. Therefore, your prayers would also be greatly appreciated along with your words of encouragement.