God will ask you to step out in faith many times throughout your life. It is important that you obey Him during these times, even if it feels frightening.
Think about a time God asked you to step out in faith. This could have been when God urged you to join a new Bible study or He encouraged you to help another Christ follower who experienced something similar to yourself. Obeying God’s direction will bring about many positive changes in your life. Not only will you grow in your faith, but you will also learn to trust Him with more complex areas of life.
1. You Have an Inner Stirring
God could be asking you to step out in faith if you feel an inner stirring inside your heart. Perhaps you have been wondering if you should go on a mission trip. Maybe a few people have been discouraging you from going on this mission trip, but you have an inner stirring inside of you that keeps bringing your heart to mission. Do not ignore this calling; choose to accept this inner stirring and go on the mission trip.
If your inner stirring is related to something biblical, then there is no reason to doubt it. For example, if your heart is stirring you after missions, then this aligns with the Bible (Matthew 28:18-20). God is calling you to step out in faith today; however, you have to make the decision to obey Him. Are you going to step out in faith or silence the inner stirring within your soul?
2. You Are Excited About a Specific Opportunity
Are you currently excited about a specific opportunity that has been set before you? Maybe your church has allowed you to become the leader of a Bible study group. If you are incredibly excited about this opportunity, then it is a sign God is calling you to step out in faith. Even if you are afraid, rest in the peace that God is with you (Psalm 23:1-6). There is no reason to fear the plans God has for your life (Jeremiah 29:11).
If you are ever in doubt, talk with the Lord in prayer. Ask Him directly, “Lord, are You asking me to step out in faith?” Jesus will answer you and bring serenity into your heart. Study the Bible, look for answers, and do not burn out the Spirit’s fire.
3. Other Believers Are Encouraging You
God is calling you to step out in faith if you have encountered many believers encouraging you to complete a specific task. For instance, perhaps God is calling you out of your comfort zone to preach and you have discovered other believers are also urging you to preach. Think about the people you spend time with – are they trustworthy Christ followers or are they fair weather friends? If they are the former, you can trust their encouragement.
Although God’s main way of communicating with us is the Bible, He can speak to us through other believers in our lives. Choose to listen to those who build you up in the Lord. These are the kinds of people who can help you step out in faith, grow in your walk with Him, and encourage discipleship.
4. God Has Closed the Door on Other Opportunities
Maybe you have applied for three different jobs, yet two of them have closed the door on you. Rather than blaming God, choose to trust Him. The third option might call you to step out in faith, but this could be exactly what God wants you to do. Trust God with this job opportunity; it could be exactly what you need right now.
5. You Feel God is Calling You
The Bible tells us, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 31:3). God is calling you to step out in faith if you feel an inner urging to follow Him. What is God calling you to do? Perhaps He is calling you to leave the corporate world to serve in a ministry or to leave the hustle and bustle culture to spend some time with the Lord in uninterrupted prayer. Weigh your calling against the Bible and see if God is truly calling you.
6. You Cannot Explain It, But the Spirit is Guiding You
Sometimes there is no easy way to explain it, but the Spirit is guiding you to step out in faith. When this happens, it is important that you obey. It might feel challenging or frightening, but God knows what He is doing. Choose to obey Him and trust God with the rest. God will never guide you down an empty road or dangerous path.
The Holy Spirit will equip you with skills and abilities you need to step out in faith. Continue to lean into Him and cultivate the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Listen to the nudging of the Holy Spirit, obey Him, and find peace in His calling. Your soul will finally experience rest once you truly step out in faith.
7. Bravery Overcomes Fear
While it is not always easy to sense God’s calling to step out in faith, it becomes easier when you feel an inner sense of bravery rise inside you. The bravery overcomes the fear, and you are not as afraid anymore. This is the work of God in your life. Rather than doubting Him, step out in faith; He is fully trustworthy (Joshua 1:9).
God may be calling you to step out in faith if you have an inner stirring, you are excited about a specific opportunity, other believers are encouraging you, God has closed the door on other opportunities, you feel God is calling you, the Spirit is nudging you, and bravery overcomes your fear. Listen to God and step out in faith today.
