Follow the Leader

Kids Bible Devotional for October 15, 2026

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Focus Verse

Psalm 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. (KJV)

Jump Start

Roots. Nature’s way of telling you to watch your step.

Go into most public places where there are stairs or steep inclines, and you’re likely to find a sign that reads, “Caution. Watch Your Step.” These are friendly reminders to pay attention where you place your feet. Although, some people can get creative like, “Gravity. Still in Effect.” Or, a sign next to a notoriously slippery bridge that reads, “Nice Try, Klutz.”

Did you know the Bible is full of “watch your step” warnings? The Bible likens a life of faith to a walk or a path. There are paths that lead in all directions. Some to where you want to go. Others to pitfalls and snares. God has prepared a path for each of us. We must learn to stay to it, else we can get off track. And, then sometimes, God makes detours that lead us away from dangers, as we learn about in today’s devotion, “Follow the Leader.”  

Today's Devotion

Aria and her father watched quietly from a high hill as swift moving waters rushed by below, carrying tree limbs and debris like mangled rafts.

“Wow, that storm last night really did a number on our little stream. It looks like a muddy river now,” Aria said.

Dad pushed up his ball cap. “It washed out the foot bridge downstream. Even the path leading up to it is gone.”

“How are we going to get across then to check on the cows?” Aria asked.

Her dad glanced down the river. “I have an idea,” he said, motioning her to follow him. “There is a ridge just up the ways with old logs that loggers once used as a bridge. Let’s check out if they are still there.”

Moments later, they arrived at a narrow gulley between two steep peaks. Two vine-covered logs spanned the narrow gap. 

“Looks like they’re still there,” Aria said, careful to step on an outcrop of rocks that jutted from the ground like natural stairs.

Dad held up his hand before she reached the bridge. “I'll go first. I want you to step exactly where I step, okay? The moss can be quite slippery, and I don’t want you to fall into the water.”

Treading lightly, Aria followed her father across the sodden logs to the other side. 

“That wasn’t bad,” she said.

“You did a good job following me across,” he said. “There is a lesson here, you know.”

She looked down at her soiled tennis shoes. “Always wear your galoshes after a rain so your mother doesn’t yell at you when you get home?”

“Not exactly. I was thinking more about how our Heavenly Father prepares our path in life. If we’re not careful to stick to it, we could get swept away by life’s currents.” He stared down at her muddy shoes. “But you may have a point about rubber boots. Let’s get those cattle looked after. Then, we’ll get home and clean up those shoes before your mother gets back from her errands in town.”

Wrap Up

A father’s most important job is keeping his children safe from harm. Spiritually speaking, this is the same for our Heavenly Father. Psalm 121 verses 7 and 8 says, “The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

This is the promise that we have. Even when life throws you a curve and your plans change, God can be in the midst of it, leading the way.