Baby steps. Remember when your infant suddenly morphed into a toddler? It happened so fast. One day, they crawled, rolled or scooted toward you. And then all of a sudden, they gripped your fingers and pulled up to a stand. You wondered if they would let go, but they didn’t. And soon, on roly-poly shaky legs, they yanked you forward as they stepped out. Not too much later, they held onto objects, figured out how to cruise the couch, the coffee table, even the window sills. Hand over hand, a tiny foot following its mate, those limbs worked together in sync. Before long, they bravely turned face forward, away from outside additional support. One small step, and then another, and another, before tumbling to the floor. With newfound excitement and joy, it wasn’t long until they tried again.
What does it feel like to exhibit faith? Essentially, showing we have faith in someone or something means to find out what is already true and then make a choice to believe it. God is truth. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6 We all believe in someone or something. Some believe there is no such thing as a God. That’s faith. Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” God gave his son, Jesus as a gift of love — it’s up to us to accept the gift of love or not. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned.” John 3:16-18 Neil Anderson says, “The critical issue with faith is not so much that we believe but what we believe.”Growing in faith is a choice, we make every day. We can choose to do things with God’s help or by our own strength. “Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
The Greek words for “faith,” “trust” and “believe” are the same words. If we step out and rely on God, essentially we choose to “let go of cruising the couch.” We prove we don’t merely agree with something intellectually, we are showing we really trust God. “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dad. But someone will say, ‘You have faith, I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” James 2:17-18It doesn’t matter what we say, it’s what we do that shows what we really believe. Want to know what you really believe? Look at what you do.
We show God as we believe what he says in his word and rely on his promises, no matter what our feelings may tell us. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of our ways of handling our lives, but when we do, God will take us to places we never thought we would go. It’s not too late for you to begin today. Start by speaking out affirmations of truth over yourself. Believe God’s word, stand up on your shaky faith and God will make you strong as you take those baby steps forward in hope, freedom and confidence.
In Christ
I Am Loved…
I am forgiven of all my sins.
“Love covers a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8
I am loved for all eternity.
“I have loved you with an everlasting
love, I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jer. 31:3
I am surrounded by God’s love.
“The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the (wo)man who trusts in Him.” Psalm 32:10
I can love myself.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Lev. 19:18
I am able to love others.
“Dear friends, let us love one another for love comes from God.” I John 4:7-10
I Am Safe…
I am declared not guilty.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
I am secure in Christ’s love.
“May those who love you be secure.” Ps. 122:6
I am protected by God.
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
I am not afraid.
“There is no fear in love because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” I John 4:18
I am free from Satan’s harm.
“We know that anyone born of
God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.” I John 5:18
I am defended by God.
“ The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
I Am Important…
I am God’s masterpiece.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10
God has a meaningful purpose for my life.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
I am fulfilling God’s plan.
“The Lord’s purpose prevails.” Proverbs 19:21b
I am part of God’s eternal purpose.
“…according to His eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Eph. 3:11
I am free and to approach God in confidence.
“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom confidence.” Eph. 3:12
God is working in my life to accomplish His will.
“for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Phil 2:13
Father, thank you for the opportunity to trust you by faith. Help me to surround myself with those who are walking forward by faith in God. Thank you Lord for your word that tells me what is true about you and my position in Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen