“Take a leap of faith,” is a phrase that is thrown around a lot these days. What does it really mean? Today our youth presented a musical at church that really challenged us to think about taking a leap of faith. They brought to light that we can do all the “right” things in life. We can go to church, say we believe in Christ and still keep God at a distance.
Have you been there? I have. Sometimes I slip back into that mode. Let’s face it, trusting God with control of our lives is scary even terrifying. I learned a long time ago that letting go of my fear and trusting God brought me more blessings than if I hadn’t. The picture attached with this blog is my son covered in the armor of God, the fruits of the Spirit, God’s word etc. We can know and do all the right things and still not trust God to be in control of our lives.
I have taken many “leaps of faith” over the years. Some of them have been easier than others. I have to say the really hard ones, the ones I argued with God about before taking the leap, have been the most rewarding. One of the scariest ones for me was several years ago. My husbands grandfather had moved in with us for the remainder of his life. God made it very clear that I was to resign my position at the church and stay home with him. I was terrified and argued with him for a couple of weeks. I know this sounds funny, but I didn’t want to see Papa’s bum. Caring for his physical needs had me shaking at the knees and my palms sweating. He had bedsores that needed bandaging. Sometimes small things can feel really, really big. This felt gigantic.
When I finally gave in and said yes, I began a journey that I couldn’t have imagined on my own.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Had I leaned on my own understanding, I would have missed out on all of the many ways God has blessed me since I said yes. I honestly believe that I wouldn’t be teaching at Bethel University had I not stayed home with Papa. My current employment is part of the ripple effect of saying yes to something else.
Trusting God with my life has been hard. At times it has meant refinement for me. Those are actually some of my favorite times. They were incredibly hard but the change in my heart is undeniable. A leap of faith can sound so simple and really it is. We are told to lean not on our own understanding. Trust the one who will make your path straight. We can’t see the ripple effect but He can.
What is God calling you to leap toward? Does it feel scary? I can only encourage you to trust Him. He knows and sees what we can’t. Try it. Then tell us about it here. It would be great to be encouraged by other’s stories.