It’s hard to have faith.

Faith requires us to have confidence and conviction in our actions, without proof that our desired outcome can be met. There is no perfect method that allows for a “paint-by-numbers” or “step-by-step” action plan. While our efforts will not be foolproof, believing in our process and using faith as a guide allows our goals to become obtainable. Below are 5 steps you can follow.

A Relationship Precedes Faith: Before we can lead by faith, a necessary requirement is a relationship with Christ. We have not walked with Jesus, so we must believe in Him. Developing faith that we can lean on, so we can lead others, is a principle found only in our relationship. Paul writes in Romans 8:14 NIV, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”

Let Jesus Lead: John 10:4 NIV reads, “When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” Leading also requires the ability to follow. When we anchor our faith to our relationship with Jesus, he can streamline our efforts. “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight,” (Proverbs 3:6).

Ask for Guidance: Isaiah 58:11 NIV says, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your sun scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Wouldn’t be nice if our plans would never fail? The beauty of this scripture is that we always have a resource. Ask for God’s guidance continually along your journey.  

Place Trust in Your Divine Direction: David received a vision from the Lord to build a temple in Jerusalem. Even though the desire to build it was laid on his heart, he was not chosen as the builder. In 1 Chronicles 28:6 NIV we find David explaining to the assembly what the Lord spoke to him, “He said to me: ‘Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.” This passage reveals that God will enlist the appropriate person on your team to get things done.

Do the Work: The key to leading by faith is staying in line with God’s will. In Hebrews 13:21 NIV we find that God will, “equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Let’s recap. Develop a relationship that you might have faith. Realize that having faith requires that you allow God to lead, first. Continually ask for guidance. Trust in His divine direction and purpose; as God knows best. Do His work.

These 5 steps will help you lead in a manner that is more effective, and removes potential deviation from a path that can be straight.

 

Anthony lives in Rockwell. He has worked in the financial advisory business  17 years and is currently a consultant for DNA Behavior. His passion for writing became a creative outlet in 2006, first writing for an online blog. Since then, he has developed and refined his passion for the written word over the last ten years. His work can also be found at Journey Christian News online and in Journey Christian Magazine. “21 Days with Paul” is his current work in progress; a Christian nonfiction book contracted to be published. You can follow his “blog-to-book” project at 21dayswithpaul.blogspot.com