Fully Stepping Into Faith: Trusting God With Everything

Faith is more than a belief—it’s a commitment, a trust, and an active participation in God’s presence. On January 26, 2025, the Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC service explored this profound truth through Psalm 19 and Jesus’ proclamation in the synagogue in Luke 4:14-21. At the heart of the message was a simple yet powerful question: Are we truly putting our whole selves into faith, or are we holding back?

Faith: A Full-Body Experience

To illustrate this idea, the Children’s Moment used a familiar game—the Hokey Pokey. The activity began playfully, with children putting in their hands, feet, and eventually their whole selves. But as the lesson unfolded, it became clear that the game wasn’t just about movement—it was about trust.

How often do we hesitate to give our whole selves to God?

• We may offer parts of our lives—attending Sunday services, saying prayers, or helping others—but still hold back out of fear, doubt, or control.
• We may compartmentalize our faith, keeping God in a box for Sundays while handling the rest of our lives on our own.
• We may feel unworthy, as if we’re not good enough to fully embrace God’s love and calling.

Yet, the message of the Gospel is clear: Jesus gave his whole self for us. In his life, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice, Jesus held nothing back, inviting us to do the same.

The Psalm That Speaks Through Creation

Psalm 19 served as the foundation for this message, reminding us that God’s presence is woven into the fabric of creation.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
(Psalm 19:1)

Faith is not just something we read about or experience in a church building—it surrounds us daily. We see it in the rhythm of the seasons, the vastness of the stars, the intricacies of nature, and even in the breath we take.

Yet, Psalm 19 also challenges us to listen closely:

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
(Psalm 19:7)

When we listen, reflect, and lean into God’s presence, we realize that faith is an invitation to transformation—not just a set of beliefs, but a way of seeing, living, and loving.

Jesus’ Declaration: The Fulfillment of Faith

In Luke 4:14-21, Jesus enters the synagogue, unrolls the scroll of Isaiah, and boldly declares:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
(Luke 4:14-21)

Then, he sits down and tells the congregation:

“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

This moment is a turning point. Jesus is not just reading words—he is stepping fully into his mission and identity. He is declaring that God’s kingdom is not a future event—it is happening now.

But what does that mean for us today?

• It means faith is not passive—it requires stepping in fully, just as Jesus did.
• It means God’s presence and work are not confined to the past—they continue in and through us.
• It means we are called to live out our faith, not just acknowledge it.

Overcoming the Fear of Full Commitment

It’s natural to feel hesitant when faced with the idea of fully surrendering to faith. Trusting in something unseen requires courage. But Psalm 19 and Luke 4 remind us:

• God’s presence is constant—woven into creation and our very being.
• Jesus is our example—he stepped fully into faith, even when it led to rejection and sacrifice.
• We are never alone—God’s love and guidance are always there to catch us when we step forward.

Living Out the Call: Steps Toward Full Faith

1. Examine what you’re holding back. Are there parts of your life you haven’t fully entrusted to God? Worries, habits, doubts? Acknowledge them and bring them into prayer.
2. Recognize God in everyday moments. Take time to notice how God speaks through creation, people, and unexpected moments. Let faith be something you experience, not just think about.
3. Step into service. Jesus didn’t just speak about faith—he lived it through action. Find ways to serve, love, and uplift those around you.
4. Trust the journey. Faith is not about having all the answers; it’s about trusting the One who does. Take a step, even if you can’t see the whole path.

Final Thought: Put Your Whole Self In

At the close of the Children’s Moment, the congregation joined in singing the final verse of the Hokey Pokey:

"You put your whole self in, you put your whole self out… you do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around—that’s what it’s all about."

And that’s what faith is all about.

Not standing at the edge.
Not holding back in fear.
But stepping in fully, knowing that God is already there, waiting to catch us.

So today, ask yourself: Am I ready to put my whole self in?

Because God is already saying: “Come, I am with you.”