If we aren’t stepping out in faith because we aren’t “good enough” or “prepared” for ministry, then do we truly believe?
I think as believers, we can all agree that part of faith is believing that God has the strength to forgive the greatest of sins. As Christians, we claim to believe in Jesus’ power to save. We acknowledge that without Him we are broken and dirty. And yet, despite the profound gift He has given us, too often we hoard it for ourselves and fail to go out and advance His Kingdom.
My Story of Stepping Out in Faith
A little over a year ago, near the beginning of 2021, God challenged me in a way I was not expecting. He reminded me of this Scripture:
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.“ You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:13-16 NLT
Okay, Lord, I guess that’s pretty straightforward, I thought. Problem is, I was one of those Christians I just mentioned. I did not want to start this blog or actively participate on social media because honestly, I was afraid. And why?
The answer: I was holding on to fear of what people would think of me. My mindset was pretty religious. And I somehow thought that stepping out in faith by sharing my life, with which I strive to live as unto the Lord, that I would be guilty of self-promotion. And yes, I’m a crazy weirdo that sees even gardening as an act of worship.
Because I held a fear that friends would think I was prideful, I have held back in sharing my own song lyrics or producing my own music.
I have allowed myself to feel inadequate for not stringing together eloquent prayers or the “right” words like so many people I know do.
And I’ve learned that if you’re not doing something in the name of “cutting off your flesh” because you want to gain acceptance with PEOPLE and not God… then you aren’t really cutting off your flesh at all.
Step Out and Shine
If you feel compelled to grow an online presence, but you feel like using modern techniques in order to do so is somehow wrong or sinful, let me encourage you. I get it… I was in the same place, and I still have to check myself often.
First, let’s examine our hearts. Why are we really doing this thing, whatever the thing is? Do I want to make an impact, to share the light of Jesus with the world? Or am I wanting to get rich and make a name for myself?
Second, if our hearts are in the right place, let’s stop waiting for things to just happen. This is a biggie.
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3 NLT
Yes, we should pray. CONTINUALLY. We should also take action and commit those actions to the Lord, as Proverbs says! This doesn’t mean that we always have awesome ideas and perfect execution. But we should at least be willing to put our feet to our words.
False Humility
In the past, I thought I was being humble by not “rushing into” doing something He created me to do. But there are things that He clearly asks of us in His Word–things like sharing what He has given us, making disciples, and letting the light He has placed in us shine.
Not everyone is meant to share online or start a blog. But as believers, we are all called to advance His kingdom and preach the gospel in some way. Even if that’s just as the grocery store.
I hate to be the one to break the news, but it doesn’t exactly look like sitting in front of the TV watching Netflix or playing video games.
Stepping Out In Faith While Hidden in Christ
A dear neighbor in my life told me a while back that she saw I was in a season of reconciliation with my own self, and that the Lord was saying “daughter of mine, I Am well in your soul… search Me out, enjoy Me, I Am giving you a new song.”
It was so encouraging to hear that reminder that I didn’t have to do this in my own strength. I shouldn’t, and I can’t. Over the past year, I would feel the need to hide away in order to pray or reflect. And for some reason, I felt GUILTY about it. I always felt like other people needed me and I couldn’t let them down. Don’t get me wrong, there are times where we absolutely do need to quiet our own wants and desires. We are required to serve our family and others. But my purpose in living is not to simply make people happy—not even my kids or my closest, dearest friends.
In the end, my purpose is to love, fear, and worship God alone. And it’s yours, too, friend.
You may also like these posts from Growing Dawn:
Kids That Change The World: Discipling Children At Home
Finding Real Connection
I Shut Down My Phone for 3 Days: Here’s What Happened
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