17-year-old house a year ago. Also, I couldn’t help wondering why the living room above had only one vent leading into it.

After several failed attempts to trace its destination, I’d finally given up. This time, though, things would be different. I was on vacation and determined to satisfy my curiosity. Climbing up on the roof of our minivan, I twisted and turned to try and gain a better view of the silver, tape-wrapped duct pipe as it snaked its way out of sight. Overtaken with a sense of excitement, I began searching for answers (on the next leg of my journey of the heating duct mystery).

Hopping down from the van I next went upstairs shouting to my four sons "Bring me the strongest magnet you have!" After selecting a magnet, I placed it low on the living room wall. Immediately the thing stuck. I reached down to grasp an X-Acto blade knife from my tools. Slowly and carefully, I cut a small square hole in the wallboard, all the while wondering if this was just some sort of foolish mistake I later regret.

It was too late to turn back – my step of faith had turned into my leap of faith. The exhilaration, combined with twinges of apprehension and caution, were all working against each other as I continued.

my head aside just in time to dodge more dirt, which was heading for my eyes but managed to settle safely onto my tongue and mouth. It didn’t really matter at all. I was overjoyed as I shouted to my wife, "It’s here! I found it! The vent – it’s been covered over for years!"

Apparently, the contractor had accidentally covered over the heat vent 17 years ago. That vent never realized its potential nor could it benefit the rest of the house (or its inhabitants) over the years. I could hardly contain my excitement. I ran to the thermostat, turned it off and continued to finish the job. A trip to the local home improvement store for a new vent cover completed the work.

We can be like the vent — having unmet potential that is never realized, blowing neither hot nor cold for Christ in the environment we inhabit. There comes a time in every believer’s life to take the step of faith that they believe God is asking them to take. The step is into the unknown — with its trust squarely placed on our Heavenly Father who "does not change like shifting shadows."

Just like the duct work, we all wonder at times where our lives are leading. Each step of faith in our lives requires a corresponding step of action on our part. God has given you and I the "X-Acto knife" of response. It’s up to us to pick it up in order to release the potential of what’s been hidden. In what area of your life are you trusting God? How are you demonstrating that trust by displaying a corresponding step of action — a step of faith that could change your life and the surrounding environment?

May the Lord bless you as you seek Him for the next step of faith you’re to take in your walk with Him.