Stepping Out in Faith

Previously, I wrote about the important value there is in Praying and Waiting. God calls us to sit still and sometimes He calls us to move in faith in a certain direction. 

Stepping out of faith sounds easy, but it means leaving our comfort zone and facing our deepest fears. Yet we so badly want God to answer us but usually only within our own comfort. The path ahead may seem frightening, especially when you do not have all of the answers. Often, our lack of faith hinders us from stepping out with full dependence on Him. But God calls us to trust in Him and step out in faith. 

When God does respond to you, are you ready to obediently step out in faith?

Bible Verses About Walking in Faith

Faith means taking one small step and increasing as you go. We can also look forward to an inheritance that was given to us through Jesus Christ on the cross.

2 Corinthians 5:7: For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 

Romans 10:17: So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Ephesians 2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Luke 1:37: For nothing will be impossible with God.

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Hebrews 11:8: By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going.

Changing your mindset and opening yourself to God and His Word, allows you to see things through God’s perspective and helps you to get out of your head. We need to retrain our brains to focus on how powerful stepping out in faith can have an impact on our lives and the lives of those we are called to serve. There is no need to shrink in fear. 

Examples of Faith in the Bible

Sometimes God calls us to wait and sometimes He calls us to step out in faith in a specific direction. While God was preparing you for this in waiting, He was already laying out every step of the way for you.

“Now without faith, it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.

Abraham’s Faith

Abraham’s faith was tested in a way that most of us will never know. Abraham believed God’s promise, even though naturally speaking it was impossible. Abraham and Sarah were way past the child-bearing years and they had not had children yet. Abraham’s faith was tested yet he did not waver. And God kept his promise to give Sarah a child. 

But Abraham was asked to step out in faith a second time, and this test was unlike any other. When Isaac was a boy, God came to speak to Abraham (Genesis 22:2). None of this made sense yet Abraham was willing to go forward not completely knowing what lies ahead. He packed up His donkey and some of his men and started the three-day journey up the mountains with Isaac.

“A step of faith means that you understand that God only gives you enough information to see right in front of you and He often times conceals the details about the journey along the way.” (The Beat by Allen Parr, What Does it Mean to Step Out in Faith?).

The doubtful thoughts that might have crept into Abraham’s mind were combatted with his faith. He believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that God would keep His promise. Stepping out in faith is only possible because God is faithful.  

Peter Walks on Water

Peter heard the voice of Jesus and decided to take that initial step out of the boat. Peter obeyed the call to leave the comfort of the boat and go while a storm raged all around him. Just like Peter, when you choose to walk in faith, you choose to walk in the supernatural power from the King of Heaven. You are walking with full knowledge that the Holy One is in full control of the process. You trust that He is on the water with you leading and guiding you to safely. 

As Peter did when he stepped out of the boat, we will be able to do the impossible when we have faith and keep our eyes on Jesus (Matthew 14:22-23). Only with Him is walking on water possible. He will hold you up. Are you willing to step out of the boat regardless of your circumstances?

Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Stepping out in faith requires you to take action. Through faith and trust, we will no longer doubt God’s ability or question if this is the right path for our lives. Believe that God will meet you each step of the way and use you to do great and mighty things.

Stepping out in faith sometimes means leaving your comfort zone. Abraham stayed in the foreign land of promise, staying in tents yet he remained faithful to his mission. When God calls, you might be asked to leave behind your family, a romantic relationship, a church, a job, a house, etc.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

You cannot play it safe and stay in your comfort zone while still trying to follow Jesus. It won’t always be easy, you may hit some bumps along the way but God will give you the endurance to push forward.

Of course, God does keep His promises. God is patiently waiting for you to take the first step. When you do, He will be there guiding you and directing you through this journey.

A Prayer for Faith

Dear God, I pray that I say YES when you call me to do your will without hesitating. I pray that you help me relinquish control and give everything I have to fulfill your plans for me. Cast aside all anxiety that I may have about not knowing all the details. Give me the strength and wisdom to trust in you fully so that I might glorify your name. Amen.