Stepping Out in Faith: How to Take the First Step

I have always struggled with new beginnings.  Stepping out in faith can feel terrifying when we’re afraid we might fall flat on our faces.

Starting anything new often feels awkward, and this is challenging for most of us.

Whether I’m launching my first blog post, running the first mile of the morning jog, or starting a new job, I don’t love the first small steps.

At times, I feel this way when I sit down to write and have no words.

There’s a saying among writers that goes something like this: “Write or do nothing.”

In other words, when you designate a time of the day to write, you have two choices: Either write or do nothing at all.  Don’t check your email, unload the dishwasher, or wander to the fridge for a snack. Write or do nothing.

This truism has been an underlying key to my consistency in writing. I can’t count the number of times I’ve obeyed the words and forced myself to write just because it felt like a better option than doing nothing.

When it’s hard to write, I often write poorly, but small beginnings are still better than not beginning at all.

The Truth About Stepping Out in Faith

What if we believed these words: You don’t have to begin well; you simply need to begin.  

Take the first step, even if your knees are weak.

Write the first sentence, even if it comes out awkwardly.

Make the first phone call.

Fill out the application.

Send the email.

This might get messy before it looks like something you want to set on display but don’t hold back because you fear the mess.  The mess is where the transformation happens.

Transformation happens when you take the first step despite the fear of failure.

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As for me, I write a full page on the day when I have no words. It’s not my best work.  I’ll probably never let anyone read it.  However, what happens next is where the breakthrough comes.

Writing one page of poorly written content stirs something within me.

I suddenly have the motivation to write a guest post for a well-known online publication.

The words flow freely.  The guest post sparks an idea for a parenting magazine, and this idea prompts three ideas for blog posts on my own blog.  Before long, I’m typing as fast as I can.

I’m in the flow, and I’m typing good words, words people might actually want to read.

Be Willing to Begin Imperfectly

What does this have to do with the life of someone who isn’t a writer?

Some of us hesitate to begin new endeavors because we want to be perfect from the start.  The problem with this thinking is simple: We aren’t perfect.  Growth happens when we begin imperfectly and leave room for growth.  If we never begin, we will never grow.

Let’s learn to embrace imperfect beginnings.

Most of us didn’t drive the car perfectly the first time we got behind the wheel. We didn’t cook our best meal ever the first time we tried.  We grow into our marriages, our careers, and our callings.

Don’t let the fear of inadequacy and imperfection stop you from beginning. Take the first step, write the first word, cook the first clumsy meal. #smallbeginnings Click To Tweet

It won’t be perfect.  It might turn out awful.  But don’t lose heart just yet.  Most glorious work for the Lord starts small.

A Free Devotional to Encourage You in Stepping Out in Faith

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