Day 32: Steps of Faith

Reading: Proverbs 3:21-35

Building a life of faith and confidence in the Lord starts with having wisdom in Him. When we walk with Him and follow His ways, we can be at peace and sleep soundly with a clear conscience. Only that kind of peace can come from God, not from money, success, material things, etc. God assures us that we need not fear of the worries around us because He is with us. He will protect us and guide us through. He never said they wouldn't come, but He said He'll be with us.
Walking by faith can be a scary thing to do. As humans with complex minds and thinking abilities, it's hard to step out in faith without over analyzing what will happen. Sometimes, we won't know what will happen, just that God will guide us. When we act on faith and not on our own understanding, we will live lives of peace and confidence.

What is something you had to step out in faith for?




How have you seen God give you peace in troubled times?




Reading: Matthew 21:18-32

Acting on faith requires believing in Jesus. We read that Jesus withered a fig tree that had no fruit, and explained to the disciples that with faith, they could do much more. Not only did the fig tree not do what it was supposed to, the son in Jesus' story didn't either. Believing is obeying. We can't prove we believe in Jesus if we don't obey Him. Even though the first son in the story rebelled, he still gave in and obeyed his father. The second lied and did nothing.
Jesus says that even the tax collectors and prostitutes are ahead of of the game when it comes to believing and acting on faith because they don't question His authority. When we get so wrapped up in the the details of Jesus and His Word, we fail to see the bottom line. Unfortunately, this happens to many churches and Christians who fight over theology and rituals, rather than focusing on bringing people to faith.
We can see that when we fail to bear fruit, Jesus can easily do away with us, as He did with the tree. Being a dead servant to Jesus does not good. 
Believing in Jesus and His words is a step in the right direction for having great faith in Him. Believe, obey and live a life that reflects your faith in Him.

When have you had to demonstrate some big faith?




Are you spending too much time questioning Jesus and His words, or do you strive to obey and believe? What proof do you have in your life?




Reading: Job 22:1-24:25

As Job continues on listening to his friends' reasoning and advice, we can see that he continues to stand firm in his faith, trusting that God's will will be done. It can be hard in the midst of a destroyed world around us to keep the faith and keep trusting that God has a plan, but Job does this superbly throughout the book. Even when friends and his wife tell him to do otherwise, he stands firm. If anyone has the right to be bitter about their situation, it was indeed Job. He was blameless and followed God close, yet his life fell apart. His reaction is one you would never expect, however.
We can learn from Job in keeping our faith in check when troubles come. We can be careful on who we listen to and what advice we take, in remembering Who we really need to take our advice and comfort from.
God never promised that there wouldn't be troubles, but as we read in Proverbs today, He promises to be there for us. Keep your chin up and your faith strong.

When have you felt like giving up on your faith?



What keeps your faith strong in times of hardship?




Walking in faith can be one of the most difficult things to do, yet it is the most freeing. Giving your worries over to God and trusting Him to make out the plans for your life can certainly be hard, as we are able to think deeply and take our own control. Believing in Him and stepping out in faith are how you build your confidence in life, and really have a peace that only God can provide.