Leap of Faith

I've been thinking about leaps of faith lately. I suppose mainly because our family is about to take a really big leap of faith. After 16 years working as a concrete and excavating foreman, my husband is starting his own business:

This decision has been bathed in prayer, and we continue to pray that God would bless the work of Tim's experienced, hard-working hands as we take the next steps.

I'd like to share some thoughts on taking leaps and not looking back...what God has been whispering to my heart in the wee hours of the morning and the quiet of the evening...

In general, I have been granted great peace regarding this choice. Yesterday, I was gripped by some "did God really say" and "what if" questions. 

This morning I awoke with the same questions and God immediately spoke truth to my heart. He led me to Psalm 77:11-15, which talks about remembering what the Lord has done...and the greatness of our God.

The idea of looking back was pressed on my heart. I have been thinking a lot about the Israelites and how God told them to leave Egypt and not to worry...that He would provide. I thought of Abraham. Abraham was asked to go and did so as well...trusting and believing without seeing. Hebrews 11:8 says "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would received as an inheritance. And, he went out, not knowing where he was going." 

This morning, Lot's wife crossed my mind. God told Lot to take his family and flee...not to look back. They didn't have time to pack their things...didn't know where they were going or how they would get what they needed. They were just supposed to trust God to provide....just to go and trust. Obey. But, Lot's wife looked back...and that's when the trouble came! (If you're unfamiliar with the story, Lot's wife turned into a pillar of salt when she looked back.)

There wasn't some perfectly orchestrated elaborate plan laid out before them where they knew exactly where they would live and how they would eat and how it would all work. They had to wait on the Lord and trust Him to provide...trust Him to keep His promises. (Just so you know, I tend to be one of those people that really likes a perfectly orchestrated plan where I have a sense of security and control!)

The only time it's good to look back is when we are remembering what the Lord has done. It is never good to look back in longing for Egypt (the old ways or where we came from)...or as Lot's wife looked back.

Are you struggling with a decision...feeling led to take a leap of faith...feeling tempted to look back and take your eyes off the Lord?

Another great verse: Exodus 14:13- 15 "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians who you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. And the Lord said to Moses, 'Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward."

Just continuing to cling to Him...going forward...and taking the leap...trusting Him.