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February 27, 2026

Stepping Out in Faith

Mark Feldmeir   |   Read Romans 4:13-17

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Lectionary Week
February 23–March 1, 2026
Scripture Overview

Scripture tells story after story of persons who step out in faith into the unknown. Having received a divine call to leave his country and kindred, Abram journeys to an unfamiliar land, following God’s promise that he will beget a nation and by him all the families of the earth will be blessed. While on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the psalmist looks toward the hills and asks the timeless question, “Where does my help come from?” The apostle Paul argues that it was through Abraham’s faith, not through his obedience to the law, that the divine promise was realized. Under the cover of darkness, Nicodemus, a religious expert, seeks answers from Jesus about the mysteries of God.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Genesis 12:1-4a. When have you sensed God calling you to new places or possibilities?
Read Psalm 121. Where do you turn for strength and solace in times of trouble? How have your most challenging experiences pointed you to God’s presence?
Read Romans 4:1-5, 13-17. When do you worry that your faith doesn’t measure up to that of others? Why does God “gift” us with “grace” instead of “pay” us with “wages” like workers?
Read John 3:1-17. Why does Nicodemus visit Jesus at night? When have you had to start something all over again?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Romans 4:13-17

13 The promise to Abraham and to his descendants, that he would inherit the world, didn’t come through the Law but through the righteousness that comes from faith. 14 If they inherit because of the Law, then faith has no effect and the promise has been canceled. 15 The Law brings about wrath. But when there isn’t any law, there isn’t any violation of the law. 16 That’s why the inheritance comes through faith, so that it will be on the basis of God’s grace. In that way, the promise is secure for all of Abraham’s descendants, not just for those who are related by Law but also for those who are related by the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us. 17 As it is written: I have appointed you to be the father of many nations. So Abraham is our father in the eyes of God in whom he had faith, the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that don’t exist into existence.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

In our human relationships, promises are much easier to make than to keep. We know both the regret of having made promises that we’ve broken and the betrayal when others have failed to uphold the promises they’ve made to us. Broken promises are especially painful when we’ve put our trust...

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God, give me the courage to trust you and the strength to follow you wherever the road may lead today. Amen.


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