I think people who jump out of planes for the fun of it are CRAZY! So why do people do it? They must get enjoyment out of it.
But what if you didn’t want to parachute and someone made or pushed you out?
We all have times in our lives when we feel like our feet are planted in mid air—totally helpless and desperate to regain control. Sometimes it even seems like God is the One who pushed us.
God allows these hopeless situations because He wants us desperate for Him. He wants us to know we cannot do life on our own without Him. Matthew 5:3 says,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
That phrase means totally incapable of doing anything; in desperate need of deliverance outside of ourselves. Without a rescuer we would literally perish.
Now let me ask you a mind-blowing question.
Is it possible to be desperate without consuming fear?
I think that’s what the Lord has been trying to teach me: that it is indeed possible—with Him.
Those who willingly step out of a plane 12,000+ feet above ground, and even pay to do it, MUST think it’s worth it; the thrill being greater than the risk. Surely there is fear present, but they believe that their parachute will open. They have confidence (=trust) that the parachute is in working condition, was packed correctly, and a host of many other unknown factors.
So imagine with me, stepping out in faith in response to God’s leading; excited to see what God will do as we step out into the wild blue unknown. We may still be shaking a bit (or a LOT), but we know it’ll be worth the risk as we look at the eternal fruit it’ll produce—in us and others. Think of all the glory God will get when He uses little “nobodies” like you and me! Working together with God for Kingdom purposes is thrilling. (If you haven’t experienced that yet you are in for a treat!)
Our risk is minimal compared to a skydiver. God is 100% reliable. Yes, there are unknowns for us—but not for our omniscient in-control Creator.
Therefore, I am trying to do take a leap of faith without panicking, screaming, or even complaining. I am trying to relax and enjoy the freefall. When I have moments of flailing, I can remember and exclaim, “Wait! God’s got me!” Then when I do relax and trust, I find that it is actually fun—exhilarating!
Living a life of faith is a progression. God often has us take baby steps first to demonstrate He is faithful. Then He moves us to take larger and more difficult steps to increase our faith; to grow that mustard-size seed of faith into a large tree. Sometimes He even forces us into situations where we are totally helpless to teach us to solely depend upon Him.
When you find yourself free-falling:
Choose to trust; to rest in God’s invisible everlasting arms. Enjoy the ride. Desperation will be replaced with a deep sense of knowing that God will catch you!
Scripture taken from the The Holy Bible: New International Version®. NIV. ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.