Walking With Jesus (Faith) Egzanp

The Small Step of Faith

Faith is a journey. Faith does not immediately become big and strong. To have faith, someone needs the courage to take the first small steps. Often, it is these small steps that are so difficult that many people fail because they end up not taking any steps at all.

Mark 3:1-6 tells of the healing of a man who had a withered hand. The incident radically changed the man's entire life. But where did that change come from? The answer is from a small step that was taken by that man when Jesus said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.” (verse 5)

Many people want to believe in Jesus by knowing everything in advance. We can't follow Jesus with this kind of mindset; following Jesus when we know everything. This is the essence of faith. Who among us knows about the intricacies of electricity? Maybe most of us do not know. But we don't want to sit in the dark, just because we don't know anything about electricity yet. We only need to know two things: we need light and electricity can provide that light. That's what makes us use electricity.

We also don't know much about how our digestive system works. We cannot understand how food can be absorbed by the blood, bones, and other tissues. However, does any of us want to hold back our hunger just because we don't know how the food will be digested?

The first step is small and simple. However, don't think it's trivial and easy. Jesus asked the man who had a withered hand to stretch out his hand. Maybe it's easy for you! However, what about him? He had to stretch out his crippled hand! He must have believed that Jesus could make the impossible possible!

Faith does not begin with knowledge but with courage. We must not be afraid to take the first small step to believe.

Reflection:

1. How does your faith grow?

2. Remember the small step of faith you took.  What is the result?

Application: 

It is easy for us to do what God wants us to do when we are motivated by need. Let's follow His will and do what God wants.