Child-Like Faith

“Take a leap of faith!” I heard a voice yell as I was soaking in glorious rays of sunshine. I glanced across the pool to see a young boy hesitating at the water’s edge. His grandmother was waiting and ready to catch him. She repeated, “Take a leap of faith! You are brave. You are bold. You can do this!”

I watched the boy, with his closed eyes and tight fists, take his first step into the deep end. After the plunge, his grandmother swooped him up while exclaiming, “That’s my boy! I knew you could do it. You are strong, just as God created you to be.”

For Truth to be Proclaimed

My heart and face smiled. I was proud of the boy and excited for his bravery. I was elated that the grandmother proclaimed such truth to her grandson, especially in a public place. In that moment, I reflected on the words that the apostle Paul shares with his mentee, Timothy.

He says, “I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also. Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:5-8a CSB).

A Different Leap of Faith

I heard another story this week about a young girl who took her own leap of faith. Towards the end of Vacation Bible School at the Brentwood campus, Berkley was eager to share some news. Since Berkley is non-verbal and does not sign, she communicates with her eyes.

She had previously engaged in conversations with her parents about what it meant to be a follower Jesus, so at the end of VBS, she gave her life to the Lord. As a public declaration of her new way of life, Berkley was baptized by her dad Jeremy, and we all rejoice with her.

To be Refreshed and Restored

In these last few weeks of summer, I hope we all will take a leap of faith. Let us use the time we’ve been given and break from our old routines. Let’s take the opportunity to be refreshed and step into something new. Whether we’re relaxing by the pool, picking up a new hobby, or traveling to visit family and friends, may we fully dedicate our hearts to the Lord, allowing Him to restore to us the joy of salvation.