The Way Forward - Faith Walking
Faith Walking: Taking Your Next Step with God in 2026
As we step into a new year, many of us wonder what lies ahead. While we can't predict the future or control every circumstance that comes our way, there's one thing we can count on: if we want to grab hold of everything Jesus has made available to us in 2026, we can't stand still. We must engage in what can be called "faith walking."
What Is Faith Walking?
In the physical realm, doctors tell us that motion is lotion - movement is good for our bodies. In the spiritual realm, motion is devotion to God. Faith walking means taking actual steps toward God, even when we don't know exactly where He's leading us.
This concept isn't new. It's beautifully illustrated in the life of Abraham, whose story teaches us timeless principles about trusting God with our next steps.
Abraham's Radical Step of Faith
The Unlikely Beginning
Abraham was 75 years old, his wife Sarah was 65, and they had no children. They were living in his father's house, and their life seemed flat and lackluster. Abraham's father, Terah, was a polytheist who particularly worshipped the moon god Nana.
Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a new God named Yahweh interrupted Abraham's ordinary life with an extraordinary request: "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to a land I will show you."
The Promise That Changed Everything
What would possess Abraham to leave everything behind for an unknown destination? The answer lies in God's incredible promise:
"I will make you into a great nation."
"I will bless you."
"I will make your name great."
"You will be a blessing."
"All peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Abraham believed this new God would deliver on His promise. So we're simply told: "Abram went as the Lord had told him."
The Principle of Faith Walking
Obedience Precedes Blessing
Abraham's story establishes a crucial principle: obedience always precedes blessing. Faith in motion always comes before receiving God's promises. This doesn't align with our natural preferences - we'd rather receive the blessing first and then consider whether to trust God. But that's not how faith walking works.
Faith Walking Requires Patience
Abraham didn't see immediate results. It was 25 years before Isaac was born. When Abraham was 99, and Sarah was 89, an angel promised them a child within the year. Sarah laughed at the impossibility - and they named their son Isaac, which means "laughter."
God keeps His promises even when they seem utterly impossible, but His timing often requires patience from us.
Four Things Abraham Gained Through Faith Walking
1. Salvation
Abraham entered into a relationship with God. Scripture tells us that "Abraham believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness." At that moment, Abraham's sin debt was removed and replaced with God's righteousness.
It's important to note that Abraham's step didn't save him - God saved him. The step was merely an outward sign of inward devotion.
2. A New Community
Abraham started a new family anchored in a relationship with God. Though it began slowly with just one child at age 100, by the time of Moses, Abraham's family had grown to 2.4 million people. By King David's time, it was 5 million.
God kept His promise of making Abraham into a great nation, even when it seemed impossible.
3. A New Identity
God promised to make Abraham's name great, and He delivered. Abraham's name is known worldwide as the father of three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Born in 2166 BC, Abraham's name remains great thousands of years later.
4. A New Purpose
God promised that all peoples would be blessed through Abraham. This was ultimately fulfilled through Jesus, who came from Abraham's lineage and offers the ultimate blessing - the removal of our sin debt and entry into a relationship with God.
Jesus Calls Us to Faith Walking Too
Following Requires Movement
When Jesus said "follow me" throughout the Gospels, He wasn't speaking metaphorically. Following requires actual steps. Just as Abraham had to physically leave his father's house, following Jesus requires us to take concrete actions.
The Water Walking Example
When Peter saw Jesus walking on water and asked to join Him, Jesus said he'd have to get out of the boat. Peter's first step onto the water must have been terrifying, but he walked on water as long as his eyes remained fixed on Jesus. When fear overtook him and he looked at his circumstances, he began to sink.
This illustrates that faith walking requires keeping our focus on Jesus rather than our circumstances.
Four Steps Available to You in 2026
1. Step Into Salvation
Just as Abraham believed and was credited with righteousness, you can enter into a relationship with God that lasts for eternity. This happens when you believe in Jesus and take an outward step of faith.
Baptism serves as that outward demonstration of an inward decision. The baptismal waters don't save you - Jesus saves you - but baptism publicly declares your personal decision to follow Him.
2. Step Into Community
The U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic in 2023. Even in our connected world, many experience "crowded loneliness" - surrounded by people but lacking deep connections.
God designed us for community. From the first pages of the Bible, He said it's not good for people to be alone. Chronic loneliness leads to mental, emotional, and physical problems.
The church functions like elite runners pacing each other - we don't compete but collaborate so each person can win the race God has set before them.
3. Step Into a New Identity
Many people today struggle with identity crises, not knowing who they are or not liking who they think they are. Jesus offers the most amazing identity: children of God.
This identity isn't based on your performance but on your position as God's child. When you understand who you are in Christ, you can face life's challenges with confidence, knowing you are:
A child of God
A new creation
Forgiven and redeemed
Part of the body of Christ
Chosen and gifted
A masterpiece in progress
Set apart for a purpose
4. Step Into Purpose
God called Abraham to be a blessing to all nations. Similarly, He calls us to give our lives for something beyond ourselves. This might begin with simple acts of service, like volunteering in a parking lot or greeting people at church.
These seemingly small steps can change someone's entire trajectory. When nervous first-time visitors encounter genuine care and welcome, it can open their hearts to what God wants to do in their lives.
Life Application
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Don't be overwhelmed by the entirety of the Christian life - just focus on taking your next step of faith.
Whether you need to step into salvation, community, identity, or purpose, God is inviting you to faith walking in 2026. Like Abraham, you may not know exactly where God is leading, but you can trust that He will keep His promises.
Questions for Reflection:
What is keeping you from taking your next step of faith?
Which of the four areas (salvation, community, identity, purpose) is God calling you to step into?
What would it look like for you to stop standing still and start faith walking this week?
How might your life look different a year from now if you take that step of faith today?
Remember Abraham's words as he looked back on his decision to follow God: "Best thing I ever did." The same opportunity is available to you if you'll take that faith walking step.
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
Joy - Chandler Moore
I Know A Name - Elevation Worship
Christ And Christ Crucified
Mighty Name Of Jesus - The Belonging Co.
WFC Speedway
Take You At Your Word - Cody Carnes
Holy Forever - Bethel Music
Cornerstone - Hillsong Worship
Great Are You Lord - All Sons & Daughters
Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!
