UNSEEN FOOTSTEPS

APRIL 17

Psalm 77

Psalm 77:19, “Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.”

As I approached graduation from seminary in the spring of 1990, Laura and I were praying for God’s guidance, seeking His direction for our future ministry. We had no idea where He might lead us. At the same time, unbeknownst to us, two men in Astoria, in a struggling church on the verge of closing its doors, were also praying—asking God to bring them a new pastor. In His perfect timing, God answered both prayers, leading us to Lewis and Clark Bible Church—the very church where the first member of my extended family was saved and the place where I would serve as pastor for the next 27 and a half years. Though none of us could visibly observe His hand at work at the time (“his footsteps”), it later became clear to all that God had orchestrated every step of the journey.

Similarly, in Psalm 77, Asaph cries out to God, overwhelmed by distress and searching for relief. His sorrow is so great that he cannot sleep, nor can he find words to express his anguish. In his despair, he questions whether God has abandoned His people—whether His steadfast love has ceased, or if He has forgotten to be gracious. Yet amid his turmoil, Asaph reflected on God’s past faithfulness. He recalled a time when God gave him a “song in the night” (Psalm 77:6) and meditated on the Lord’s mighty deeds—especially the miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. God shook the earth, divided the sea, and led His people to safety. Though His presence was unseen, His power was undeniable. As Asaph reflects, he acknowledges a profound truth: “Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen” (Psalm 77:19).

Like Asaph, we often struggle to understand the ways of God. He works behind the scenes, unseen and mysterious, accomplishing His perfect plan in ways beyond our comprehension. Though He leaves no visible footprints, we can look back in wonder, recognizing His hand in our lives and allowing those past experiences to renew our trust in Him amid our present trials.

“Perfect timing is God’s fingerprint!”

Application Questions: Think back to how God has worked in unseen ways to do amazing things in your own life.  How can those past experiences work to encourage your present troubles?  Thank Him, as you pray for God to lead and intervene in your life as you continue to love and serve Him.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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