What's your 'By faith' story?

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.”
Hebrews 11:11 (NIV)

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

“Mom, what should we read in my new Bible?”

My 8-year-old daughter, Sarah, snuggled up next to me on the couch, excited to be just like Mommy with Bible, highlighters, and pen in hand. I knew exactly what verse to point her to. It was one I read often when I was pregnant with her.

“Find Hebrews 11 and look down at verse 11. What do you see there?”

Sarah’s eyes found the page, eager to see what the verse said. Her face lit up as she declared, “It’s my name! I thought Sarah was only mentioned in the Old Testament, but this has my middle name, too…Faith!”

With highlighter in hand, she was ready to mark all the locations of her middle name, Faith, and she quickly noticed a pattern.

“Mom, all these verses start with ‘By faith’…”

It was at that moment that the Lord whispered to my heart, what if there was a statement written about you that began with ‘By faith’? What would it say?

I thought about the times in my life in the past when I had to step out in faith to follow the Lord’s leading. I didn’t always see every detail ahead, but I was willing to take that first step of faith when God was clearly directing me. I can now look back and see what God was doing all along and it builds my trust in Him to take that next step of faith that He calls me to.

What about you, dear one? If there was a statement about your life that began with “By faith…” what would it say? It may not be a dramatic story, but it could be one small step such as inviting a neighbor to church or sharing your testimony that has a greater impact than you may realize.

Take a moment today to read through Hebrews 11 and listen to the Holy Spirit. Be open to what He may say to your heart. Your 'By faith' story is still being written, and the next chapter may begin with one small, obedient yes to God. Trust Him as you take that step of faith. He’s already prepared the way.