leap of faith
“The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.” (Hebrews 11:1-2)
By faith, men and women rose and made their mark. By faith, we see ordinary ones find themselves inside outworldly situations, simply by listening to their father. They have laid down a path for others to follow. With faith, they stood above the crowd.
Faith is truly a force that moves mountains. We can be so cynical at times, find it so hard to put our trust in anything or anyone, would rather do things our way. But faith calls us to abandon all our crutches and walk on the sure but narrow foundation of trusting, hearing and following Christ. This is the kind of faith that changes the world, shines in the darkness.
But at what cost? At the cost of following the crowd. At the cost of my pride, my ego, my face, my image. At the cost of self-confidence, self-assuredly, the plain ‘ol mighty self. Because faith cannot exist when we only know how to trust ourselves.
What a leap. Can I make that kind of leap? Can I move from a life of self, into a life of faith? Woe is me, because I know so much of my life is not built on the firm foundation of His promises and words. It’s built on another’s opinion of me, on the mantras chanted by the crowd around me, on fear and arrogance and selfishness.
God is calling me to make that leap of faith. To leave behind the refuge of self, and explore the realm of faith. It’s more than mere gut instinct. More than acting on a whim. It’s a certainty in Christ, that all of Him is more than enough, that His words ring true even when all within me can’t make out which voices to follow.
By faith, I follow God as His beloved child. By faith, He speaks words that rearranges my world, my priorities. By faith, I can walk in confidence in who I am, and what I am doing here. By faith, I find freedom.
Oh father. I want to make that leap. So often, I am wracked by the self in me, walk according to my own strength. I need you. Grace father.
Lead this child. Lead me to find daily renewals of faith. Teach me to make leaps of faith. Amen.
