The Igniting Hope Blog

Improve It By Steve Backlund Most of us love new beginnings, but we often underestimate what comes next. Whether it is a new job, a home, a marriage, a ministry role, or a leadership responsibility, these feel like open doors, answered prayers, and fulfilled desires. And they are. But every new “possession” also carries something we don’t always consider at first: Responsibility. What we receive, we get to steward. Possessing Is Just the Beginning It is easy to focus on getti

Identifying Your Metrons By Steve Backlund We are tempted as believers to just know God’s promises, but not live in them. God didn’t give promises for occasional encouragement. He gave promises to abide in them (to occupy them). “If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31-32). Romans 12:3 says God has dealt to each one “a measure of faith.” The word “measure” comes from the Greek word metron,

I Am So Glad I Needed to Persevere By Steve Backlund This is a continuation of my last blog, “I Am So Glad It Was Hard”. One of the most freeing truths I’ve learned is this: What we overcome (what we persevere in) becomes an area we carry spiritual authority and increased influence in to bring breakthrough and freedom to others. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the

I Am So Glad It Was Hard By Steve Backlund I was talking with Wendy recently as we reflected on high-profile Christian leaders who were in the news because of personal failures that have caused great pain in the Body of Christ. Some were people who rose quickly in influence and whose character hadn’t caught up with their calling. In the middle of that conversation, something came out of my mouth that surprised me with its clarity: “I am so glad it was hard for us.” I’m gratef

Who Do You Say They Are? By Steve Backlund “Who do you say they are?” Could this be the third most important question in all of life? The most important question to answer is who we say Jesus is. “(Jesus) said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven’

2026: You Are the Burning Bush By Steve Backlund “Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro (Moses’) father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to (Moses) in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush . . . “ (Exodus 3:1-2). This unexpected encounter (after 40 years of believing he had missed his opportunity) launched Moses into a history-impacting purpose. As

“These People Are the Problem!” By Steve Backlund This is an excerpt from my book, Let’s Just Laugh at That!. It is a book that teaches us the power of laughing at lies. To laugh, we need to let go of the beliefs supporting our negative strongholds in our minds. Main lie: I cannot fulfill God’s call because of the people in my life. Supporting lies (laughable assumptions): God is surprised and completely hindered by what the people in my life are doing. Their choices make it