Fresh StartNäide

The Second Step

At the beginning of this week, we read the story of the bleeding woman who took the first step to approach Jesus, touching His cloak and receiving healing (Luke 8:43-48).

Taking the first step is usually challenging because you have never tried it before, but continuing with the second step can sometimes be even harder. The courage or urge that you first had may fade, requiring a renewal of confidence to continue – just like the story of Peter in Matthew 14.

When Peter saw Jesus walking on water, he wanted to follow Him. When Jesus asked him to come, Peter got out of the boat and walked on water – he did it! Peter took the first step.

However, when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink. Jesus saved him and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31 NIV)

It was the same lake, the same Jesus, the same physical body of Peter. The only thing that changed was Peter’s realisation of the unstable conditions which shook his faith. The trust that he had for his first step quickly vanished.

The same applies to our faith journey. After taking the first step toward God, we can’t just stop there. Life circumstances can distract us and weaken our faith. The motivation we first had could wear off. We need to keep renewing our confidence and trust in God if we want to keep walking toward Him and avoid “sinking”.

How? Some people keep a journal to remind themselves of God’s faithfulness. Some meet regularly with trusted brothers/sisters to hold each other accountable in pursuing God. Others follow devotional plans on the Bible app (and persist till the end) to maintain a constant intake of God’s Word.

Think of at least one way that can enable you to constantly remember God’s faithfulness, power, and love, so that your confidence can be renewed daily and not wear out, enabling you to keep trusting God in your second, third, and every future step.