Have you ever been called to do something that felt impossible? Something beyond your capabilities and knowledge left you feeling unequipped and uncertain? Welcome to the life of faith. We live in a world of constant unknowns, where new challenges arise daily, and we can only partially prepare for what lies ahead. But as believers, we have a secret weapon - the power of God to enable us to accomplish what seems impossible.
This blog explores what stepping out in faith and trusting God with our unknowns means.
What is faith?
The Bible defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). It's having confidence in what we cannot see and trusting that God is faithful to His promises. But faith isn't just an abstract concept - it requires action. James 2:17-18 says, "Faith by itself if it is not accompanied by action, is dead...Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds." In other words, faith is more than just a mental belief - it's a way of life that requires us to obey God.
Why is stepping out in faith necessary?
When we step out in faith, we demonstrate our trust in God's character and ability to provide for us. It's easy to stay in our comfort zones and rely on our strength and understanding, but true growth and transformation happen when we take risks and trust God with the unknowns. Without faith, it's impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6) because faith is the foundation of our relationship with Him. When we trust God and obey Him, we open ourselves up to receive the blessings He has in store for us.
How can we cultivate faith in our daily lives?
Faith is a muscle that needs to be exercised, and we can strengthen our trust in God in several practical ways. One is to pray and read the Bible, which helps us understand God's character and His will for our lives. Another is to surround ourselves with other believers who can encourage and challenge us to grow in our faith. We can also look back on past experiences where God has come through for us and use those as a reminder of His faithfulness in the present. Finally, we can take small steps of obedience, even when it feels uncomfortable or scary, and trust that God will guide us in the right direction.
What are some examples of stepping out in faith?
There are countless examples of people in the Bible and throughout history who stepped out in faith and saw God do amazing things. Some of these include:
- Abraham left his home and family to go to a new land that God promised him (Gen. 12:1-4)
- Moses confronted Pharaoh and led the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3-14)
- David faced the giant Goliath with only a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17)
- Mary said yes to God's plan for her to carry and raise Jesus, despite the cultural and personal risks involved (Luke 1:26-38)
What happens when we fail to step out in faith?
While walking in faith is a blessing, there are consequences to shrinking back in fear. When we refuse to obey God's voice, we miss out on the opportunities He has for us, and our spiritual growth is stunted. In addition, we can become burdened by anxiety and worry, which hinders our ability to trust in God's provision. Finally, we risk being disobedient to His commands and missing out on the blessings of obedience.
Living a life of faith is challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. As we learn to trust in God's character and step out in obedience, we experience the joy and blessings of walking in His will.
So, if you're feeling uncertain about what lies ahead, remember that God is with you, and He is faithful. Take a deep breath, step out in faith, and watch what He will do!