Stepping Out in Faith

Last summer, I bought a brand-new pair of shoes for our upcoming vacation. They felt perfect in the store. Before we left for our summer getaway, I decided to break them in for a day. Several hours later, those expensive, comfortable shoes gave me a blister, and I couldn’t get them off fast enough.

 

The unexpected pain made me think of our faith journey. It’s easy to trust God when life feels smooth and familiar. But what about when God calls us to something uncomfortable or unfamiliar?

 

In Joshua chapter 1, after Moses had died, God appointed Joshua, his assistant, to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Can you imagine being given that task? The fear could have overwhelmed Joshua. However, God knew Joshua’s heart and what he needed to hear. In the first chapter alone, the Lord repeats the same message three times:

 

v. 6 Be strong and courageous…

 

v. 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous

 

v. 9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous?

 

God didn’t call Joshua to figure it out on his own. He called him to trust, obey, and go!

 

God’s not asking any of us to lead the Israelites to the promised land because that task has already been accomplished. But He does call His followers to obedience. Whether it’s an international mission trip, going back to school, or changing careers. Sometimes, God’s instructions make perfect sense, and sometimes they don’t. What matters most is whether we will answer: Yes, Lord?

 

The rest of v. 9 says: “Do not be afraid or discouraged for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

God not only encourages us not to fear but also promises to be with us. Our courage stems from His presence, not our own performance.

 

New shoes can cause some discomfort at first. But with each step and over time, they stretch and shape to fit. Similarly, when we step out in faith, God uses that process to mold us, not for our comfort, but to make us more like Christ. It may cost us something and may not always be easy, but as we walk in obedience, we are shaped into His image.