Leap of Faith

I’ve been wrestling with a decision for a while now.  The decision is a big deal for me.  I see so many reasons to go a certain direction with the decision, but I grapple with my own fears and anxiety that would keep me from going in that direction.

I’ve talked with a few people about the decision.  These are godly people whose wisdom and opinion I respect.  Each of them have encouraged me to put aside my fears and to take a leap of faith.

What is faith?

Faith is trusting in things we can’t see, in things we can’t control, and in power beyond us. Faith is about dreaming big.  Faith is believing that everything will be okay in the end even when we can’t see the way right in front of us.  Faith is being able to put aside our fears – or maybe to face our fears – and trust that God will take care of things.  Faith can help us break the paralysis of analysis inflicted by life’s anxieties.  Faith is more than just words – it’s followed by actions.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1

As I was thinking about faith and about my decision, this clip from Indian Jones and The Last Crusade came to mind.  In the scene, Indiana Jones must get from one side of a chasm to the other side.  When he arrives at the edge, there’s no apparent way to get across.  Through his study of ancient literature and archaeology, Indiana Jones comes to the conclusion that the only way across the gaping pit is to take a step of faith.  This is exactly how I feel as I head into my decision.

Isn’t this a great clip?  You see, in life, we have decisions to make that require faith.  Which college should I go to and what should my major be?  Who should I marry?  Where should I live?  Where should I work?  Where should I go to church?  Should we have kids?  You get the idea.  Our lives are riddled with decisions that require faith.  We have to trust that as we step into the great unknown, God will catch us.  And that’s where I’m at with my decision.

Stay tuned for more details about my “big decision.”

What leap of faith do you need to take right now?  What’s holding you back?

The Stretched Blog Visits The Analogous Truth

Today, I have the privilege of guest posting over at The Analogous Truth.  The Analogous Truth is a blog written by my friend, Arny Sanchez.  Arny creatively relates pop culture to faith.  My post today (I Love You Man!) fits into Arny’s theme.  Please stop over to read it and add a comment or two.  Also, please consider adding The Analogous Truth to your regular blog reading routine.  Thanks!

(Note on guest posting:  I’d love to share a guest post on your blog sometime or to have you guest post here about your stretching story.  If either of these two opportunities interest you, drop me a comment.)

Book Review: Rumors of God by Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson

Several months ago, I received a free copy of Rumors of God from Brandon Gilliland (Thanks, Brandon!) as a prize for reading and commenting on his blog.  I love this time of the year as it gives me a chance to catch up on some reading.  I finally finished reading this book this week.

Rumors of God was written by two pastors from Australia – Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson (he even spells his name correctly).  It seems that this book was written as a challenge to American churches and American Christians to live like God is real – to live like the rumors of God aren’t just rumors, God is real!.

“But what about us (America)?  Are we simply content to watch the American church limp into eternity?  Are you ready to drift through the rest of your life, lulled and softened by our comfort and ease?  We believe that deep in your soul you long to see the fame and deeds of God renewed and known in our time.  We believe that you were created for a radical pursuit of Jesus and his kingdom.”

The book does an excellent job reminding readers that faith is meant to be experienced.  For many Americans, our faith is generally inactive, private, and stuck in our heads.  In Rumors to God, Whitehead and Tyson share stories and stories from scripture that inspire readers to make their faith active, out-loud, and alive.

I really appreciated how the authors start at the personal side of faith by challenging readers on the topics of love, grace, generosity, and abundant life.  And I love how they end with challenges related to community, justice, and hope.  The book definitely provided encouragement and inspiration.  I would recommend it.

Have you read Rumor of God?  What did you think?

What steps are you taking to experience your faith?

What are you reading right now?