Leaving The Ledge

The Great Unknown

Most of us have been at this place in our lives.  No, not the Grand Canyon, although I would encourage everyone to go at least once to see the sheer majesty of God's creation.  I am talking about that place where intrigue and fear collide.  Where the unknown is calling, but the abyss beyond what we see is overwhelmingly frightening.  Where we all become "over thinkers", unable to breathe because fear has sucked every bit of free spirit out of our being, because it just doesn't make sense.  Instantly, worst case scenarios flood our minds, delivering a crushing blow to the endless possibilities and dreams we were called by our Creator to walk out.  So what is it that we might be missing out on?  I am much more comfortable within the misery of my controlled, simple life.  Why am I so drawn to this and what is it I am not seeing?

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.  Hebrews 11:1

So there is a reality beyond what we see with our physical eyes.  What exactly is this reality that faith brings us to?

Jesus said, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed.  Those who believe without seeing are blessed."  John 20:29

Once again,  fear creeps its head in through the voice of doubt, because we live in the tangible, physical world of what is right in front of us.  When do we learn to trust in things we cannot see?

Most, really all, of us have been breathing air since the time we were born.  However, I have never seen it.  Our bodies require oxygen to function efficiently.  So the element of faith is utilized by EVERYONE daily by the very definition according to Merriam-Webster, which states:  Strong belief or trust in someone or something.  Whether you are a follower of Jesus or not,  you have faith in something....at least AIR.  Being that we all exercise faith daily, why do we allow fear to play such a part in stifling our actions?  Why do we give it so much power?

In his first inaugural address, Franklin D. Roosevelt boldly declared these famous words:

"The only thing we have to fear... is fear itself"

I would like to think that FDR understood that fear controls faith by hindering action from taking place.  During the Great Depression, most Americans were shell shocked and defeated.  As President, Roosevelt knew he had to move citizens to action in order to rebuild the economy.  If there is no action, there is no faith.

In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself.  James 2:17

Sometimes these action supported moves of faith are little, and at times they will be radical.  The importance is to take action when being instructed to do something.  If your boss asks you to do a task, it is a wise thing to do that task.  So when the Creator of the universe tells you to do something, you might want to.  Your humble obedience is your ticket to blessings.  How do you know it is Him calling?  First of all, LISTEN.  He will always direct according to scripture (the Bible) and He will never motivate you in a selfish manner.  Remember that faith is required when things don't make sense.

But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

For it is written.....

"For I know the plans I have for you" - this is; the Lord's declaration - "plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."  Jeremiah 29:11-13

For we are His creation - created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

May God bless each of you in every faith leap you take.  Be studious in the Bible, teachable in the uncertainty, and know that there is POWER in the name of JESUS.

I would love to hear your "Leaving the Ledge" faith story and invite you to comment and share this with everyone.