A Step of Faith

Feb 3, 2011

We continued travelling South, not really sure what to expect, but as we continued southward what we recieved was the desert.  Long hot days, and nights that were cold.  A dry, lonely cold that sinks down to the bones, and makes one's lungs feel alive.  The trees were swept and baren, the grass sparse and clustered as if hoping to huddle together to keep other blades warm.  No ice in this desert, but as we left Rio Gallagos it began dusting snow.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Ancient Chinese proverb.

So true are these words, whether one sets out to trek the world or just to cross the street and invite the neighbors to church, it must begin somewhere.  It must begin with a step, a leap of faith.  To trust the Holy Spirit for words, to stand up to your boss, maybe even to quit your job,  the fact remains the constant, the first step is ALWAYS the most difficult.  Until we as a nation, or as a united brotherhood of international believers, are willing to take that first step our journey will never begin.

What is your step?  What has Christ convicted you to do but you are so worried about the end result that you fail to just take that first step?  I am inclined to believe that God never asks people to climb mountains, He simply asks them to step up to the base camp.  Then he asks us to grasp that first hold!  I believe He only then asks us to put our foot up on the first ledge and inch by onch and step by step He guides us up the rock face.

Did you ever go mountain climbing, how easy it is to reach the summit with an experienced guide standing below saying, "Now reach up with your left hand, ok put your foot in that crack."

We can't be scared to step up to the base.  What if Abraham had been to scared to take a step outside his home?   NOTHING!  The first step is difficult in my opinion because it is very clear.  We do not know the outcome but we know the step.  The 8th, 9th, 1,000th, they are unclear.  Maybe we aren't sure exactly where to go, but we always seem to know the right direction and are just too scared to take the 1st.

We understand that it is the first step that shakes things up.  That first step is the one that makes people angry, makes people laugh at you, maybe we won't be able to max out our IRA's this year.  We can always hear that first step though!  We hear it loud and clear...or is it clear...I'm not sure...maybe it's just the wind...do you hear anything...oh guess it was nothing.  No it is very clear, we choose to ignore it.

The world has bigger problems than our retirement plans, and you and I have a much higher calling.  God has a greater purpose if we only trust Him.  You will never climb a mountain, or go anywhere, or be remembered if you are too afraid to take that first step.  The step of faith.

So we are always of good courage.  We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.  For we walk by faith, not by sight.  II Corinthians 5:6-7