“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, not thy head. There are times we must learn to totally trust our Heavenly Father. When a father, for the first time, asks his son to jump to him in darkness, it becomes an act of trust. The fearful son hears his father’s voice, but does not see him “there.” The jump is an act of trust in his father. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). The son knows his father loves him, but now he must also trust and obey his loving unseen father. That first jump will be remembered as it was a great act of complete trust in his father. When the son finally jumped, it brought him joy as he was caught. But it also brought pleasure to his father that his son trusted him! “But without faith it is impossible to please him” (Heb. 11:6). It touched my heart when I realized my acts of faith also please my Heavenly Father. He said, “This is my beloved Son (Jesus) in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt. 17:5). Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father which art in Heaven” (Mat.6:9). We need to also completely trust our Heavenly Father. The more the son jumps, the more his faith increases. Little faith remains little faith, but faith increases with each jump. “And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).
After many jumps, he jumps without hesitation. His fears are replaced with faith. Faith fades fear. Fear fades faith. Fear and faith are incompatible and cannot exist together. Faith or Fear? The choice is yours. The more you jump, the more faith increases. Fear fades with each jump. Faith increases with each jump. Soon the son no longer hesitates before he hops. Why? Cuz his father has always been “there” to catch him.
The Great Shepherd said, “He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them … and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice…” (John 10:4-5; 27). “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:6). The Lord directs our steps and stops. There is a difference between foolishness and faith. To act alone is foolish, but to follow Him is wise.
Warning! Learn to look, listen, then leap. Sometimes the son becomes too confident and yells, “Catch me Dad.” Don’t do that! Be sure He is “there,” then jump. No voice – No jump! What challenges are you facing? Is it time to jump? Look, listen, then leap. Then jump and keep jumping! Go higher and higher until one day you soar as an eagle (Isa. 40:31) and look into the face of God and say, “This is where I belong.” This is the purpose of my existence! Your jumps will please you and also bring pleasure and glory to your Heavenly Father. So this year jump for joy and keep jumping and jumping!
Rejoice: This is a New Year and you are still here! – TC
