Leaping Out in Faith

What do we do when things are messed up and not going our way? Who do we turn to for support? Where does faith come in?

One Sunday, my pastor mentioned the impala in his sermon, which is thought to be the most elegant African antelope. Typically, a running impala will jump over anything in its path. It can clear bushes and other obstacles by soaring some 10 feet in the air, and with one leap it can cover distances up to 33 feet. But the animal will not jump over a solid three-foot fence because it can’t see where it will land.

Wow! Don’t we often live like that?

I like to see where I’m going … I like to know what’s ahead and what to expect. If I know what I’m up against, I can deal with pretty much anything. But the unknowns? They can be a little scary because …

I could fail.

I might look foolish.

A mistake could be made.

The result may be different than what I hoped.

If I leap … who will ensure a soft landing?

And if I jump into a deep hole, will anyone be there to pull me out?

But that's what faith is about—believing that despite what happens, we'll okay. We trust our spouses to stick with us through tough times. We trust our parents to love us, no matter what we do.

Our faith in God comes from believing and trusting that even though we can’t see the future—we don’t know what will happen in the next three days, three hours, or three minutes—God does. We have faith that he not only knows what’s best for us, he’s there to help us accomplish whatever tasks he’s set before us.

God created the impala to soar through the air. He’s also given us the tools and abilities to meet challenges, reach our goals, pursue dreams and follow our calling. We can leap into the unknown because God is on the other side of the fence, ready to help us. Our feet will find solid ground.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

What steps are you taking to leap out in faith today?

You’re not moving forward? What’s holding you back?

Dawn