Take The Plunge
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Insight
Have you ever stood at the edge of a diving board, heart pounding, toes curled over the edge, knowing you need to take that leap but feeling paralyzed by fear? That moment of hesitation, where your mind races with "what-ifs" and doubts, is not unlike the moments we face in our spiritual lives when God calls us to take a step of faith.
Faith, by its very nature, requires us to move beyond our comfort zones. It's about trusting in God's promises even when we can't see the outcome. But what does taking a step of faith look like in our day-to-day lives?
For some, it might mean finally having that difficult conversation with a family member to mend a broken relationship. For others, it could be volunteering despite feeling inadequate or unprepared. Maybe it's deciding to give regularly, even when finances are tight, trusting that God will provide. Or perhaps it's pursuing a calling that seems impossible by worldly standards.
Whatever form it takes, a step of faith always involves moving from the known to the unknown, from self-reliance to God-reliance. It's about saying "yes" to God's nudges, even when our logical minds scream "But what if?"
However, there's a danger in stopping short, in getting to the edge of that proverbial diving board but never taking the plunge. When we allow fear, doubt, or complacency to hold us back, we miss out on the incredible adventures and growth God has planned for us. We risk becoming stagnant in our faith, always wondering "what if" but never experiencing the thrill of seeing God work through our obedience.
The Bible is filled with examples of ordinary people who took extraordinary steps of faith. Noah built an ark on dry land. Abraham left his homeland for an unknown destination. David faced a giant with just a sling and some stones. Mary said "yes" to bearing the Son of God. In each case, their obedience opened the door for God to do the miraculous.
When we stop short, we not only limit our spiritual growth but we also potentially hinder God's work in and through us. We may never know the ripple effects our one step of faith could have had on others around us.
So today, let's challenge ourselves to identify that next step of faith God is calling us to take. It might be big or small, but its significance lies not in its size but in our willingness to trust and obey. Remember, God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. Your step of faith, however wobbly or uncertain it may feel, could be the very thing that opens the floodgates of God's blessings in your life and in the lives of those around you.
Reflection
What is one area in your life where you feel God might be calling you to take a step of faith? What's holding you back?
Can you recall a time when you took a step of faith and saw God work in unexpected ways? How does remembering this encourage you for future steps of faith?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give us the courage to step out in faith when You call us. Help us to trust in Your promises and Your provision, even when we can't see the path ahead. Forgive us for the times we've stopped short due to fear or doubt. Strengthen our faith and help us to be bold witnesses of Your love and power in this world. Amen.