A LEAP OF FAITH
Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. (Hebrews 11:1 NCV)
I crouched at the edge of the door, my heels firmly resting on the plane’s floor. My toes pointed toward terra firma, 13,000 feet below. For a split second I considered turning back. But like a criminal walking the green mile, I knew it was too late. With my instructor firmly strapped to my back, I pushed off.
The rushing air blasted my face as if I’d stuck my head out a car window at 100 mph. My mind started wondering, "Will the parachute open?" After about a minute of free fall, it unfolded, momentarily jerking me upward. For the next five minutes, I peacefully drifted over the vineyards of the Central California Valley. My senses feasted on the experience. Eventually, my instructor guided us to a gentle landing. I had literally taken a “leap of faith," having no choice but to trust my instructor. It helped that he had successfully completed 14,000 jumps. My mind could rest, knowing I was in safe hands.
Often in life, God calls us to take a leap of faith, as we follow His guidance, unsure of where He's leading us. We trust Him to catch us as we take the plunge, just as I trusted my skydiving instructor. It may be a career change, moving our family, or standing on our integrity which results in financial loss. Scripture is replete with examples of men and women willing to trust God and take a leap of faith. Read Hebrews 11. Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Joshua and Rahab are just a few examples. Ordinary people with extraordinary trust.
Look at God's track record. He promises to care for us. Throughout scripture he came through for his people. And He's done so in all of our lives. Any reason to believe He's not going to come through now? It's downright scary, taking a leap of faith. I know. But the risks can't begin to compare to the blessings.
It comes down to this. How much do we trust our "Instructor?" Maybe Jesus didn’t make 14,000 skydiving jumps, but He took the ultimate "leap" when He came to earth. His credentials are far greater than any human’s. He's the all-powerful, all-seeing, all-knowing Creator. Strap yourself securely to Him and take that leap of faith. He'll guide you all the way to safety.
After reading Hebrews 11, which example do I most relate to?
In what specific area do I need to trust God and take a leap of faith?
Lord, increase my faith, so that I'm willing to totally trust you with every area of my life.