Hebrews 11:8-16
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith, with Sarah’s involvement, he received power of procreation, even though he was too old, because he considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”
13 All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14 for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better homeland, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
By faith…
If you’ve ever taken a leap of faith, you know that it is terrifying, exhilarating, and liberating, all at the same time. A leap of faith is different from throwing caution to the wind and behaving recklessly. When we take a calculated risk for the sake of the Gospel, God is glorified.
A leap of faith requires deep, prayerful consideration as well as a life grounded in the spiritual disciplines. Many people also choose to consult with a spiritual director, clergyperson, or a small group of faithful friends. As implied in its name, a leap of faith cannot be reversed. It’s an all or nothing proposition.
A number of my heroes in the faith took leaps of faith – stepping out in faith without knowing where God would lead them, or what would happen to them. I think of Sts. Francis & Clare of Assisi, Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., Pope John XXIII, Pope Francis, and so many others. A deep dive into this list will show us that there are no guarantees of safety or acceptance in taking a leap of faith.
God gives us many opportunities to go out in faith throughout our lives. Sometimes we choose to take the risk and sometimes we’re not ready. That’s OK because God is patient and will always come around with another opportunity to serve.
Prayer: Holy, Mighty, and Merciful God: My life is in your hands. Increase my faith and free me from my fears when the next opportunity for a leap of faith comes my way. AMEN