Bold Steps of Faith

Author: Haddie LeVake

This past spring, I ran track for my school, Cedar Rapids Washington. We had a new coach who built a really strong team culture, and I felt like I was connecting well with a lot of the girls. Our team of about 30 had girls from many different backgrounds, and I found value in getting to know each of them and taking on a bit of a leadership role.

One day at practice, while I was out on a run, an idea popped into my head out of nowhere: I should do a Bible study with my track team. Immediately, I felt convicted that this was a clear calling from God. As soon as I got back from my run, I asked my coach for permission and then sent a message in the big team group chat, inviting my teammates to join me for a 10-minute Bible study before practice the next day.

This step of faith definitely took some courage because...
1.) I’m terrified of group chats!!!
2.) I worried that no one would be interested and I’d be sitting alone on the track with my Bible.
3.) I feared people might make fun of me.

But despite those fears, I chose to trust God with it, knowing that even if all those things happened, He would still use it to fulfill His purpose. I also figured that maybe God was calling me simply to put out a “faith flag”—a way to let others know I love the Lord.

In the end, God had amazing plans for that Bible study. Right after I sent the message, I got lots of encouraging responses—people were actually excited about it! The next day, 15 of us gathered on the track 10 minutes before practice to study a short passage from Psalm 27. I had printed the verses on slips of paper so everyone could follow along. Even though it was only 10 minutes, it felt like God stretched that time. We had a really engaging and meaningful discussion. Everyone loved it and wanted to continue.

For the rest of the season, a group of us gathered before practice every day to study the Bible together. I was blessed to hear how God was growing my teammates through it. Some teammates told me they loved starting practice with this refreshing encouragement. Others shared that they wanted to read the Bible more on their own. One friend even started coming to FCA at school and told me she felt closer to God than ever before.

I also grew closer to God through this. It challenged me to trust His plan and be willing to follow His call. And in doing so, I got to experience the joy of seeing Him do His amazing work through His powerful Word.