Small Steps of Faith

"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways, acknowledge Him,

and He will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh

and refreshment to your bones."

-Proverbs 3:5-8

My roommate Kelly shared these verses at our small group last night, and I found them really encouraging. I've been trying to figure out how to grow in the area of faith, how to take small steps toward what seems like a huge and overwhelming goal - to completely believe that the God of the Bible is real, good, and sovereign.

And this passage gives me hope. It reminds me that my own understanding and wisdom are limited and flawed. And it calls me to be obedient in the areas that God has already made clear to me, to fear Him and to submit my own sinful heart to His leadership. And best of all, it reminds me that He is worthy of my trust, that He is the one who is working in my life to make straight my paths, to heal and to refresh.

How comforting to know that I do not have to figure everything out, that in fact attempting to do so is an indication of my own pride and arrogance. My job is simple: to trust, follow, and obey. These are small steps I can work toward by His grace. The big picture rests in His hands.