Leap of Faith

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see! Hebrews 11:1

This past weekend the kids and I went to visit some friends at their cabin two hours north of Phoenix. We love the smell of the pines and the fresh cool air. It is still quite hot and muggy here in Arizona. We took a long walk down the mountain and walked through the cool creek, in the rain. To some that doesn't seem like much fun, to us, we don't see rain very much in Phoenix, like almost never. It was fun watching Dylan try to catch crayfish with a cup in the stream. He would have been happy to just wallow along in the creek all day, even in the rain. However, at the end of the creek was a big swimming hole. It wasn't just the adventure of the swimming hole though that was exciting.

It was the new adventure of cliff diving, one we had never experienced. Our friend was the first to experience it, even though he had been many times before. Dylan watched in anticipation and reluctantly left his hunt for the pinching slimy creatures. Without a hesitation though he was off the cliff in one swift jump, ready to take the leap again and again. Abby was coaxed into heading up the cliff herself. Hers was not the same quick leap off of the edge. I could see the fear and reluctance in her eyes. Fear is often what keeps us from taking that first step. I can't say that I blamed her for one second, for I share her fear of heights. I truly would have been Ok with her turning around and deciding not to take the plunge. But with the coaxing of her friend and the willingness of her brother to go with her at the same time, she stepped off alone. She watched more than once, the boys stepping off and plunging into safety. However there was fear that she would not share the same experience as they had. Once was more than enough for her. I was proud of both the kids for their display of courage and trust they had in our friends that it would be Ok and for their willingness to try.

There are many examples in the bible of people stepping out in faith: Abraham leaving his country when God asked Him to, Noah building the ark on dry land even though people thought he was insane, Moses refused to be called the son of pharoah's daughter and he was mistreated with all the Israelites in order to free them from slavery one day. The list of heroes of faith in the Bible are endless.

I have many people in my family right now that are taking a leap of faith, leaving their own comfort zone for a new beginning. Our nephew and niece Craig and Sarah are leaving their hometown and their home for Craig to be a director at a new camp site for Spring Hill in Indiana. Our nephew and niece Jesse and Kelly are starting a new bicycle ministry to help kids in their walk with Christ. They are fundraising now with hopes to one day do this full time. My two nephews Jacob and Jason or going to a new college in Boston and Seattle far away from home. Abby is starting a new chapter of her life with new friends in high school in just a few days. My mom went on a mission trip to Spain alone for a month. She will return in two weeks.

All of them have things in common. They all know Christ. Some have to trust God for finances. Others have to trust God to open doors and wait on God and His timing. Some have to overcome their fears and walk this journey alone. The one thing that faith requires is TRUST!  There are many experiences in life that we can't handle alone. It requires us to ask God for help where we fall short. And then, the hardest part is waiting.

Are you Ok with just living in your comfort zone? What leap of faith do you need to take? What hinders you from taking that first step? Just trust!!!