5 Reasons to Step Out in Faith l Finding God

Lightstock.com

Stepping out in faith sounds easy, but it means leaving the comfort zone and facing our deepest fears. It is deemed as one of the hardest sensations to harness and to get under control. When the circumstances are dictating that there is little optimism to go around--our souls don't want to step out in faith! In Lamentations 3:20-21 it said that we need to hold onto to our faith and onto our hope: “I will remember them, and my soul downcast within me. Yet, this I call to mind and therefore I have hope.” God calls us to sit still and sometimes He calls us to move in faith in a certain direction. This is where trust comes into play. The Oxford English Dictionary explained that trust is “having a firm belief in the reliability, truth or ability of someone of something." We all need this trust to feed our faith and we are not the only ones. Remember when Peter stepped out into the water from the fishing boat and then took his focus off of Jesus? He saw the wind and cried out: “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" We all struggle with having the stamina to step out in faith. If you need more help in this area, here are 5 suggestions to consider.

It Helps the Mind

shutterstock.com

Stepping out in faith can help recondition your mind and change your perspective. Changing your mindset allows you to see things from God's perspective and helps to get out of your head. Reminiscing on what worked and what did not work will not bring you joy. All this will do is keep you stuck in the past. Not only that, but you are really wasting your energy. We are reminded in Romans: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will." We need to retrain our thoughts to focus on how powerful stepping out in faith can be instead of shrinking in fear.

It Helps Us Remain Focused

Shutterstock.com

If we allow ourselves to be dominated by the distractions of life, we will never know God's purpose. When we allow problems to consume us, we lose our way and can't hear from God as clearly. This can result in a life that's flat and lackluster. Instead of relying only on what we see around us, choose to believe God's Word not what others are telling us. Author Joyce Meyer suggested praying: "God, I remember the good things You've done for me and how You've been faithful to those who've trusted in You through the ages. I'm giving You praise today because I know You'll always be faithful." Stepping out in faith will give you the power to avoid distractions from life and from people.

It Makes You Stronger

Faith is like using a muscle that has never been used before. It will only become stronger every time you use it. Faith doesn't have to be associated with advancement in life, it can be having faith in God's love and His power. However, you need to exercise the faith muscle. "Standing on the sidelines and expect your faith to arrive without any deliberate intent on your part, then you run the risk of missing the chance to jump into life," author Alex Blackwell shared. Are you willing to remain in comfort and live your life afraid of change? The Israelites forgot how God delivered them from Egypt and provided a way of escape through the Red Sea. When they did arrive at their new land they complained that they would not have enough to eat, surely God would have proved them what they needed. Their lack of faith kept them stuck. Exercise your faith and don't stand on the sidelines.

4 Ways COVID-19 Has Changed Worship

Is it time to re-imagine what worship looks like? Read next feature >