Step of Faith

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is quite difficult at times.  We desire certain things, but lack the confidence to venture out and take them, because of fear.  The unknown factors that lie ahead make it hard to take a step of faith.

I understand the concept of linking the reality of God wanting the very best for His children, and them receiving His best, but why is it difficult at times for me to step out in faith to claim what God has for me?  Could it be the lack of faith in my heart, which stifles my ability to go forward and possess the land, as it were; or am I listening to others tell me that my chances are slim-to-none of achieving such things?

I don’t know what excuses you use when failing to pursue your dreams, but for me, I have fought a negative thought process my whole life, which told me that it was safer and less intrusive to remain in my safe zone rather than to venture out into uncharted waters where I may face deeper challenges in areas that I might potentially fail, while attempting to better myself.

Perhaps the thought, “It is unattainable” is that which holds you back or an inner feeling that your wish-list is for others having more qualifications than yourself.  Whatever reason or excuse that restricts the motivating factor to at least try is the same thought process that ties our hands from reaching out to those around us that may be going down for the third time in their world of troubles—a neighbor, a friend, or co-worker.

Too often we see the obvious signs of dilemma in others, but we choose to take a backseat and spurn their silent cry for help, because we feel inadequate or insufficient—lacking.

Everyone at sometime in their life needs someone to come alongside and be that person they can lean upon in time of trouble.  For a person to turn their back on another individual, when it is obvious that there is a legitimate need in their life, would make me wonder where the love of God is in that person’s soul that is turning away.

(James 4:17), “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”   

Sometimes we need to leave the comfort of our safe zone and step beyond the immediate circle of our personal space and do something for others even if we feel a sense of lacking in ourselves.  Too often, excuses raise their ugly heads, which try to manipulate us from doing what we know is right to do.

The following are examples of these excuses.  They will be offended; Perhaps I’m not reading the signs correctly; Maybe they will take advantage of me; I am not qualified enough; What if God doesn’t do what I tell them He will do for them; and, If God fails to fulfill His promises, then what will they think of me?

Sometimes a task that God wants us to do is hard; beyond our comfort zone, but when we yield to His wooing and take a step of faith, God is always there to fill our mouth with words that are not our own, but His words.

When God prompts us to do something, He has already prepared the other party to receive what we share with them, thus, making it easier than we had anticipated.  Taking a step of faith takes courage, but the more we do it the more God shows His compassion and love through our obedience.

How can people know the love of God unless we share this wonderful love with them?  Reaching out to others in times of trouble or merely taking opportunities to tell them about the grace of God prepares them ahead of time, before the hard times come their way, that God answers prayer.  This knowledge acquaints them with the One who can speak peace into their life when situations befall them.

The more we observe, first hand, God working out circumstances in the lives of those that we speak to about Jesus Christ, faith encompasses us.  We garner assurance, which teaches us to trust Him for the things in our own life.  When we take a step of faith to trust God and He brings to pass what He says He will do, this builds confidence within us that He is willing to fulfill all the promises spoken of in the Bible as we trust Him to do so.

(Romans 10:17), “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Reading God’s Word builds faith, which is our ability to trust the honesty of God.  If God said that He will do something, then rest assured that He will do what He said He will do.

(Hebrews 11:1), “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

We just need to learn how to trust God, which avails itself when we step out in faith, while watching the hand of God move mountains on our behalf and in the lives of others.  God is able to close doors that are not in our best interest to walk through and open doors that no man can close.  We need only to have the confidence—faith—in God as we step through these doors when He says, “It is time.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd