Steps of Faith

February 13, 2004

Thoughts for Cheri:

“I do still feel anger and sadness but I’m able to process it by using the verse Cheri gave me about taking my thoughts captive.  When I find myself dwelling on unwanted or unhealthy thoughts I just wrap them up and give them to Jesus.  It works!”

“Actually, at the retreat last weekend I attended a session on self-esteem.  The two leaders used the chart for The Search for Significance to discuss this.  I had just started reading this and had reached the chart but didn’t feel up to processing the information.  This session enabled me to do that.  They talked about how our thoughts affect us and gave verses we could use to conquer negative thoughts.  After the session I went to one of them and told them about 2 Corinthians 10:5 and how it had helped me to heal.  She thanked me and wrote it down.  I saw her later and she told me that in the next session she had shared a little of my story and used that verse.  I like that!  Next time I hope to be able to speak up during a session or wherever I may be instead of waiting.  There was a time I would not have even shared with her, so I am growing.”

“Actually, at the retreat last weekend I attended a session on self-esteem.  The two leaders used the chart for The Search for Significance to discuss this.  I had just started reading this book and had reached the chart but didn’t feel up to processing the information.  This session enabled me to do that. They talked about how our thoughts affect us and gave verses we could use to conquer negative thoughts.”  Isn’t God good!  He knows what I need before I do.  He led me to the exact place in this book that I need to be in before the retreat.  I just love that!

“After the session I went to one of them and told them about 2 Corinthians 10:5 and how it had helped me to heal.  She thanked me and wrote it down.  I saw her later and she told me that in the next session she had shared a little of my story and used that verse.  I like that!”  This is one of the first times I remember using what God had shown me in my journey to help others.  It felt good.  He comforted me so that I could share His comfort with others just as His word tells us.

“Next time I hope to be able to speak up during a session or wherever I may be instead of waiting.  There was a time I would not have even shared with her, so I am growing.”  Baby steps of faith.  Sometimes that’s just what God asks of me.  I don’t have to leap off some massive cliff to prove I’m obedient.  The first tiny step is often the hardest.  The secret is to keep my eyes on Him and take that first step whatever it may be.  I like this quote by Sandi Patty:

I didn’t want to stay where I was so I began taking steps of faith.  God’s blessing from these first baby steps of faith gave me the confidence to take bigger steps.  Today this blog is a result of that baby step of faith 13 years ago this month.  To me that’s what amazing grace is all about.  I’m so thankful I’m a child of this King who knows what I need before I do and who gives such wonderful gifts to His child.  And I’m grateful He allows me to join Him in His kingdom work.  I am blessed!

Father,

Baby steps.

Sometimes that’s all You ask for.

Thank You for baby steps that lead to greater steps of faith!

Teach me to keep my eyes on You as I walk this journey called life.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen