Take a Step in Faith

Martin Luther King, Jr. provided one of the most succinct definitions of faith when he wrote, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

While honoring the simplistic image this quote paints for us, we can also find reassurance in knowing that faith is the power of God given only to His sons and daughters — the power to do mighty things for the glory and honor of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Also, since faith isn’t a substance like steel or concrete — it is instead a supernatural force — Dr. King’s allusion to faith is similar to what we know about electricity and air — two vital forces that can’t be seen, but are powerful by their own design. Faith is something we do without fully knowing what awaits us.

Similar to King’s quote, the Bible gives its own description of faith in Hebrews 11:1:

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

In short, faith is putting into action what you perceive is God’s will. In other words, by actively taking the steps that King referred to in the earlier quote, God will look on your heart and reward your motives and your obedience.

Knowing that our righteousness is through faith alone in the Lord Jesus, and that our faith can powerfully and beautifully affect our emotions, body, soul, and actions; isn’t taking a step in faith, regardless of the clarity of the pathway before us, encouragement enough to walk in the freedom and truth of God’s grace and forgiveness?