Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house…
Genesis 12:1a
Taking The Leap
“Leap of faith” is a common enough phrase. We use it when starting a business, beginning a new relationship, or even when embracing a new worldview. When we say this, we mean something like: I haven’t a clue how this might turn out, and although it is a big risk for me, I feel like I must do it. However, the Christian’s use of the phrase should carry a little different weight than when others use it.
Abram, on the other hand, didn’t have much to go on. He didn’t have great reasons, so to speak, for his obedience. The general use of the term “leap of faith” implies that we may have some evidence, but that we are also risking a great deal. The Christian, however, has a plethora of evidence and essentially no risk when it comes to taking the leap of faith. What do I mean?
Looking Backwards
Unlike Abram, who had to trust and hope in what the Lord would do, we have the privilege and benefit of looking back on what the Lord has done. We can look at Abram’s story, our own stories and those of our family, and most importantly, we can look back to the historical resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Because of Jesus’ completed work in His crucifixion and resurrection, we have compelling evidence to “leave it all for God.” We also have no risk since Jesus has already secured the victory!
The Christian faith is a faith of freedom: we do what we want because we’ve submitted our affections to the Lord. God changes our affections to match His own, and then we can freely and joyously live out what we most desire in life. Take Abram’s faith as a model of true security—God didn’t abandon him, and God won’t abandon you. We have Jesus Christ as the down payment of that truth!
Going Forward
One book that has greatly benefited me is Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ, which gave numerous arguments and evidences for Jesus’ life and work. Also, no shortage of works on the historical resurrection of Jesus can be found online (e.g., William Lane Craig, Gary Habermas, Mike Licona, N.T. Wright).
Our faith stands and falls on a historical event that has more evidence for it than anything I know of in ancient history. I encourage you to pursue at least one resource to learn the arguments for the historical resurrection of Jesus.
Now What?
As you consider the areas in your life where you can only rely on the Lord to provide, reflect on the ways He has already made a way for you in the past. Remember that your greatest need has already been provided for you in Christ. Thank Him for His faithful love that endures.
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