We put our faith into action when we take a step of obedience into the unknown, following His will even when we cannot foresee the results. We explain such faith by saying “We step out of the light into the darkness, not knowing what the darkness holds.”

Abraham exhibited such faith when he followed God’s orders to relocate his family and possessions without knowing his final destination. Such faith requires obedience, knowing God can make the results pleasant or unpleasant. Suffering may or may not follow.

Such faith-action is admirable. Surely it pleases God. But even greater faith is required when we are called to take a step of obedience knowing for sure the results will be unpleasant. This is when we step into the darkness, knowing the darkness holds suffering.

This faith assures us God will protect us during the suffering, rather than from the suffering. This is “fiery furnace” faith. (Daniel 3:17-18) It is the faith possessed by martyrs of our faith when they refused to forsake their beliefs, knowing that torture and death awaited them.

When Jesus prayed in Gethsemane He knew exactly what suffering awaited his obedience But his faith in the Father allowed him to say “not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36).

God expects us to also have faith that permits us to eagerly obey even when there is guaranteed suffering ahead.