Practice Makes Perfect
by Cindy Allen
2025 is wrapping up. Something else wrapping up is my goal to read the Bible through this year. I finished the book of Hebrews today, and only have 8 days left. Tonight, I decided to listen to my Bible app while walking on the treadmill. As the narrator read through the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11, I reflected on my year. What could be written in my Faith Hall of Fame for 2025? Two specific things came to mind.
#1 I signed up to go on a mission trip. That is a HUGE step of faith for me. You see, I have NEVER flown. I am flying on a short trip in just a few days, but in July, I will board a plane and fly to South Africa. SCARY, right?? I have done many things to support missions over the years but I have never actually wanted to go on a trip. However, from the very beginning, I knew I wanted to do this. At first, I prayed really hard my husband would want to go. I can do anything with that guy by my side. Then one morning, during my quiet time, I felt God ask, “Are you trusting me or are you trusting Greg?” And honestly, I was putting my trust in Greg. So, I signed up and he did not. Am I excited? Yes. Am I worried? Yes. Am I afraid I am going to throw up and embarrass myself? YES! Am I trusting God? YES!
#2 Our family is having some issues. I won’t go into details, but it is one of those situations that makes my momma heart sad. I have prayed. I have asked friends to pray. If you think about me, I would love for you to pray. But God has granted me peace. I do get sad, I do hope the issue will be resolved, but I am OK.
Are these things as big as the steps of faith that Abraham or Noah or Moses took? No way. But they are big deals to me. I am putting my faith in God and trusting him for the outcome, and that is a big deal, no matter who you are.
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” That is where I am at. I am being confident even though I don’t know the outcome. I feel at peace when I think about my family. I want things to be better but I am OK until that happens. I am moving ahead with prayers and plans about my mission trip, even though I am not sure what 20 hours on a plane will look like. God knows, and if he wants me to minister to souls on the other side of the world, he will help me get there.
The heading in my Bible for chapter 11 is Living by Faith and chapter 12 in The Call to Endurance. When we are living by faith, we have to endure. My Tony Evans study Bible made a great point when explaining 12:2-3, “The Son of God made it through Friday by keeping his eyes on Sunday…” That is how faith works. The assurance of things not seen leads me to forge ahead because I know God is working in my family and I know the mission trip is going to be awesome.
What a blessing faith in God is. He is in control of it all anyway so why wouldn’t I trust him? Good question Cindy, because I don’t always trust. I many times am like the man in Mark 9, “I believe Lord, help thou my unbelief.” But just as these people in Hebrews 11 were commended for their faith, I think God commends us for our faith, even if it is in small portions. And the more I have faith, the more my faith will grow. Remember we used to tell our kids, “Practice makes perfect.” God tells us the same thing. Practice your faith and watch it grow, Where it will take you, only God’s knows!
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11; Hebrews 12, Psalm 37
Response: Ask God to help your faith grow, knowing that growth often comes from stretching situations. Share your testimony with someone and encourage their faith.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for a year of stretching and growing and learning. May 2026 year be the year I trust you wholeheartedly. And even if I fall short of that goal, may my faith grow. I love you Lord, please continue to give me opportunities to watch you work and grow in trust. In Jesus’ name, Amen
