Are You Willing To Step Out In Faith?

Did you ever feel that God was asking you to do something, but you were afraid to say “yes”? I know I have. In fact, it’s happened to me more times than I can count. Looking back, I can’t help but wonder what the Lord could have done in my life if I was more willing to step out in faith and trust him.

In the First Reading from today’s Mass, Saint Paul summons the presbyters of the Church at Ephesus and delivers the following message to them:

But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem. What will happen to me there I do not know, except that in one city after another the Holy Spirit has been warning me that imprisonment and hardships await me. Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the Gospel of God’s grace. (Acts 20:22-24)

Breaking down this Bible passage can teach us an important lesson – one that can help us to overcome fear, be at peace and say “yes” to God!

The Holy Spirit Guides Us

But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem.

We might not realize it, but just like the Spirit told Paul to go to Jerusalem, he is constantly guiding us and helping us to know God’s will. Unfortunately, fear often gets in the way and stops us from following through. Let’s face it, it can be downright scary to trust God with our money, future or reputation.

God Doesn’t Always Reveal The Details

What will happen to me there I do not know, except that in one city after another the Holy Spirit has been warning me that imprisonment and hardships await me.

In order to truly follow the Lord, we must walk by faith. And you know what that means. He often asks us to say “yes” before we know all of the details. The Holy Spirit warned Paul that going to Jerusalem wouldn’t be a walk in the park, but he didn’t reveal all the details. Paul was being asked to walk by faith and not by sight.

It Takes Courage To Step Out In Faith

Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus.

When God asks us to do something there is always an element of risk. What if I look stupid? What if I fail or suffer some sort of backlash? How about if I need that money somewhere down the road? St. Paul was so focused on pleasing the Lord that nothing else mattered.

Sometimes I panic when I feel God is asking me to do something that takes me out of my comfort zone. I  get so caught up in playing the “what if” game that I end up paralyzed with fear. Today is a new day, however, with new opportunities to step out in faith. I will pray for the grace to do just that.

Care to join me?

Lord, help me to hear and respond to your voice every day. With the help of the Holy Spirit, grant me the grace to surrender to your will and say “yes”. Amen.