To The One Who Feels Afraid to Take the Leap of Faith

Standing still, my daughter cautiously looks over the edge, mind racing with fear, wavering between jumping and turning around. //

There is familiarity in her expression, not because I have physically stood on that platform, but because I have been led to many such platforms by my Savior— all of which required a leap of faith— on some I leapt without hesitation and others I’m sad to say, I turned around //

But then my daughter sees it— her daddy’s smiling face and strong, safe arms reaching out to catch her. And without hesitation, without even a thought of turning back, she jumps. And as she does there is no fear written on her face, only trust //

And then it hits me. That is the type of trust Jesus wants me to have in Him. This is why the Bible says to keep my eyes on Him. When my eyes are off of Him, all I can focus on is the fear of what
lies ahead. But when my eyes are on Him, all I see are His outstretched, safe, strong arms and His encouraging smile beckoning me to take the leap He’s prepared me for. And when my eyes meet my Savior’s, who gave His life for me, I’m flooded with the courage I need—and I jump— trusting in Him to catch me //

My daughter and my husband will become stronger from that experience. Trust is being formed in small moments like these that will continue to be built upon as she grows— until one day she won’t be a toddler jumping from a platform, but a young woman who needs the support of a loving father to take a big leap— and she will know, just as when she was a toddler, he will be there, cheering her on, giving her the confidence she needs to take the leap //

My Christian life has been lived within a series of leaps, some small and others large, but each one serving a purpose and preparing me for what’s next. Some building faithfulness, others trust, and others endurance. I have even seen Him work good from the times I didn’t have the faith to leap. But as I look back, I have never once regretted the choice to jump. His steadfast encouragement has given me the strength to do things I never thought I could//

Starting the 1000 Hours with Jesus challenge was one of those leaps. Check out the bio if you would like to leap with me