What is a leap of faith?

Response

The book of Hebrews is a valuable resource to discover solutions to our inquiries about faith. Chapter 11 commences with a concise definition of faith: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” «Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. », (Hebrews 11:1).

So, what exactly is a leap of faith? Although the term “leap of faith” does not appear in the Bible, it is a widely used expression. Typically, taking a leap of faith implies “believing in something without evidence” or “embarking on a venture with minimal chances of success.” The concept of a leap of faith originally emerged in a religious context. Søren Kierkegaard introduced the term as a metaphor for faith in God. He contended that truth cannot be solely discovered through observation but must also be comprehended in the mind and heart beyond empirical proof. Since we cannot visually perceive God, we must have faith in His existence. We transition from tangible ideas to intangible ones through a “leap of faith.”

As we delve further into Hebrews chapter 11, we encounter a remarkable roster of individuals in the Bible who took a “leap of faith,” so to speak. Here are just a few examples of those who trusted God’s promises and acted accordingly:

Through faith, Noah followed God’s instructions and constructed an ark to safeguard his family from the flood (Genesis 6:9 -7:24). By faith, Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, believing that God would provide a substitute (Genesis 22:1-19). Through faith, Moses opted to stand with the Hebrews rather than remain in the Egyptian palace (Exodus 2 – 4). By faith, Rahab endangered her life by hiding enemy spies in her dwelling (Joshua 2:1-24).

Throughout the rest of Scripture, the stories of the faithful continue. By faith, David confronted a giant with only a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17). By faith, Peter stepped out of the boat when Jesus invited him to come (Matthew 14:22-33). The accounts go on and on, each story helping us to understand the biblical meaning of taking a leap of faith.

Exercising faith in God often requires taking a risk. 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” But a biblical step of faith is not a “blind” leap. Our faith is backed by assurance and certainty. Faith is soundly supported by God’s promises in His Word. Taking a leap of faith is not an irrational impulse that causes us to jump out into the great unknown without any foresight. According to the Word of God, believers are to seek counsel from godly leaders (Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 24:6). Also, Christians are to acquire wisdom and direction from God’s Word “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.”, (Psalm 119:105, 130) “The entrance of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.”, (Psalm 119:105, 130).

The stories in the Bible exist for a reason. Our trust and faith grow stronger as we read these accounts of God’s powerful deliverance and rescue in times of need. God miraculously delivered Joseph from slavery and placed him in charge over all of Egypt. God transformed Gideon from a coward to a courageous warrior. These Bible characters took leaps of faith because they trusted in the God who was powerful enough to rescue them, hold them up, and not let them falter.

I see Jude 1:24.

Putting our faith into action may feel like a daunting leap, but that is part of testing and proving our faith: “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:6-9; See Hebrews 11:17 also).

Stepping out in faith requires trusting God to do what He has already promised in His Word, even though we may not see the fulfillment of His promise yet. Genuine faith, belief, and trust will move us to action.

A leap of faith might mean leaving the safety of your comfort zone. Peter abandoned his safety and comfort when he jumped out of the boat to walk on water to Jesus. He could take that leap of faith because he knew his Lord and trusted that He was good: “The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” «The LORD is good to all: And his tender mercies are over all his works. », (Psalm 145:9). When Jesus said, “Come,” Peter exercised childlike faith, the type of faith we are all called to possess: “But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’” «But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. », (Luke 18:16).

When we demonstrate genuine trust in God, we understand that our “leap of faith” is truly a leap into His all-powerful and loving embrace. He takes pleasure in our trust and blesses those who sincerely seek Him: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever approaches God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6), (Hebrews 11:6).