Something wonderful happens when we can finally let go and step out in faith with God. Jesus told the Disciples that even faith as small as a mustard seed could move mountains (Matthew 17:20), so what keeps us from living in faith? I would suggest that in many cases, it boils down to fear. Fear of how it will all work out; fear of what other people with think, feel or do; fear of whether or not God will truly be there to see us through the journey when we do step out in faith.

So, why does the Lord require this thing called faith? I think that we are made to crave a relationship with God and that through stepping out in faith, we say to God (in essence), “Okay, here I am. I am ready to submit to your will and your ways. I accept that you alone are in control of this world and I’m ready to do that which you made me to do.” I think through those small steps of faith, we tell God we believe in Him, we trust Him, and we want to have a relationship with Him because, after all,  He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

I think some measure of this same concept of faith deepening relationships can be seen in our human relationships. Think of a time when you first asked someone out on a date, or a time when you first asked a new friend if she wanted to hang out, or when you first told your spouse that you love him/her. There is a moment of scariness there, the fear of rejection, wondering if your affections or offer of friendship will be returned. There is a moment where you are not quite sure if this will end well. Still, love compels us to press on, to say those necessary words, to step out in faith and place our trust in another. And, when we do, a wonderful world of friendship, companionship, and love opens up to us. So it is with the Lord. However, unlike our human relationships, He has the power to transform us completely through stepping out in faith with Him. He can take those situations we thought completely hopeless and through our faith in Him (even faith as small as a mustard seed), bring about change that transforms…perhaps a new perspective, or a solution we had never considered, or perhaps a whole new reality.

So, the question is, where is God asking you to step out in faith? Is it with a job, a relationship, a trip or journey you need to take? Perhaps it is with your children, or your finances? It could be something as “small” as which charity to volunteer with or donate to. Or, it could be that He is asking you to take that first step in truly trusting Him by submitting your life to Him and truly seeking a relationship with Him for the first time. I can’t tell you how many ways God has transformed my life through the times when I’ve taken those small steps of faith. Through jobs, relationships, which college to attend, which hobbies or volunteer opportunities to pursue. But, most of all He has transformed me through that moment when I truly said, “Yes, Lord, I want a relationship with you. Take my life and let your will be done in it.” Was that moment scary? Sure it was. I was compelled to admit that I had not done a good job managing my life and I was aware that I couldn’t make it on my own through this life and that I needed a Savior. Those were tough things to admit, believe me. But, there was something much stronger driving me…that need for relationship with Him that pushed me beyond the fear and allowed me to step out in faith.

I have come to believe that there is likely always some way in which God is asking us to step out in faith with Him, to trust Him in some area of our lives where maybe we have not fully trusted Him before. It may be that we aren’t always listening to hear and know what area that is, but I do believe He is calling each of us each day to step out in faith. So, the question remains, where is God calling you? What area of your life is He saying, “Do you trust me? Okay then, let’s go!” I know it’s scary and there may seem to be a million reasons why you could stay there on that fence, just telling Him you aren’t quite sure if you are ready for that next step. But, He has promised to go with you, to never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Taking that next step of faith with Him (whatever it may be) is the next step in deepening your relationship with the only One who can truly fulfill your deepest desires. What are you waiting for?

Casey West