For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you{TR reads "us" instead of "you"} an example, that you should follow his steps,
Peter is saying that One has gone before us, and we are to follow in his "steps." "Steps" (ichnos), "a footprint, track, footstep," have been left to guide us (Thayer 309-2-2487). God’s people should never think that no one has ever traveled this road before, whatever their lot in life is. We know the Lord has gone before us because He left his footsteps to guide us. And what a wonderful thing to know that He who has gone before us, awaits us. We will travel no road that He has not.