In our faith, there is a pivotal moment when we take our first steps toward our calling. For the disciples of Jesus, this moment came when He sent them out on their first mission. Jesus tasked them with preaching, teaching, healing, and curing.
Imagine the mix of emotions in their hearts as they embarked on this mission. Anxiety, doubt, and perhaps even fear must have been part of the package. They were stepping into the unknown, carrying a message that would challenge the status quo. Yet, they went, two by two, with hope in their hearts and faith in their steps.
When they returned, their faces beamed with excitement. They had healed the sick, taught the masses, and at one point, were ready to call down fire from heaven. The experience exhilarated them. But Jesus, the master teacher, saw the need to recalibrate their focus.
Faith involves stepping out, learning, and going again. The disciples had tasted the power of faith, and it had ignited a fire within them. It's a feeling many of us can relate to—a blend of fear and empowerment when we take that initial leap of faith.
But here's the crux of the matter: Faith isn't a one-time event; it's a lifelong journey. After the disciples’ elation, Jesus calmed them and refocused their attention. He reminded them that faith isn't about calling down fire; it's about walking in the way of love and compassion.
In the same way, our faith journeys involve a continuous process of stepping out, encountering the world, learning from our experiences, and stepping out again with renewed purpose. We may stumble, we may falter, but each step brings growth and empowerment.
So, remember, whether you're taking your first step or your hundredth, it's all part of the empowering cycle of faith. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep going, for your journey, like that of the disciples, is a testament to the transformative power of faith.
