by Leigh Ann Dilley on January 26, 2024
Does anyone ever forget the image of a fearful child standing on the edge of a swimming pool, not sure if they should jump into the outstretched arms of a trusted parent, grandparent, or other adult who is waiting in the water? The adult encourages the small child to leave the safety of the pool's edge because they know the child will be safe. They will not drop the child or fail to catch the child, but the child remains afraid. Finally, after much convincing, the child musters up enough courage and jumps! Both the child and the trusted adult are thrilled!
The child now knows the adult can be trusted to catch them and can't wait to do it again and again. After trust between the two is established, the child is more confident allowing the adult to move further from the edge of the pool, requiring the child to leap further. It's an easier transition because of the history of trust. The new experience was scary but worth it. The adult always knew the outcome, but the outcome was dependent upon a "leap of faith" from the child. The funny thing is, the only way to establish trust was through the leap of faith in the first place!
This is the vision that comes to mind when God tells us to believe in His promises and respond to Him in faith. He commands us to be brave and courageous and not to be discouraged because He is right there with us. Joshua 1:9, paraphrased, says He stands switch open arms, patiently waiting for us to believe Him and muster enough courage to leap. When we do, it's exhilarating and even addictive! God is true to His word every time.
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It's called a leap of faith for a reason. It's no small step. Have you noticed that when God asks you to do something big or even impossible, it is not until you take a step — or maybe a leap — that He equips you?
God has given us many promises concerning His strength, His promise to help, and His presence. Isaiah 41:10 comes to mind:
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Here's another from Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
And one more, Psalm 46:1 says:
God is our rescue and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
It's one thing to know God's promises, but it's the application that helps us grow. Application takes practice, and practice creates confidence. It all begins when we trust the one who promised to catch us when we leap.
Put another way, Paul wrote about feeding milk to new Christians. Learning and memorizing God's promises could be considered milk. As you mature in faith, milk is replaced with solid food. Practicing the faith and applying God's promises to our life circumstances could be considered solid food. When troubles come, and we need comfort, strength, direction, wisdom, sustainability, patience, or rescue. Meditating and praying that God's promises will give us what we need. Like the kid who was thrilled when they found the courage to jump into the pool, we are the same when we experience God's faithfulness and learn He can be trusted. Nothing happens without a leap of faith. Psalm 9:10 says, "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."
Now that's a promise.
