The concept of a “leap of faith” has biblical origins and refers to trusting in God even when you can’t see the whole picture. At its core, a leap of faith requires stepping out in obedience to God’s leading, even when our human understanding is limited. Here’s an overview of what the Bible teaches about leaps of faith:
Examples of Leaps of Faith in the Bible
There are many examples of leaps of faith in Scripture. Here are a few key ones:
- Abraham leaving his homeland to follow God’s call, not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).
- Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water at Jesus’ invitation (Matthew 14:28-29).
- Esther risking her life to speak to the king on behalf of her people (Esther 4:16).
- Rahab hiding the Israelite spies, trusting that God would deliver Jericho into their hands (Hebrews 11:31).
- Gideon obeying God’s call to battle the Midianites with just 300 men (Judges 7).
- The woman who emptied her jar of expensive perfume over Jesus, trusting it was right even when the disciples objected (Mark 14:3-9).
In each case, God called these biblical figures to step out in faith, even when it didn’t make complete sense at the time. Their leaps of faith required trusting in God more than their own understanding or comfort zones.
Why Leaps of Faith Are Needed
God often calls us to take leaps of faith because He has a perspective we lack. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, God’s ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than our own limited vision. When God asks us to take a leap of faith, it requires humility – acknowledging that He understands things we don’t.
Leaps of faith also demonstrate our trust in God’s goodness and power. Like Peter getting out of the boat, we have to fix our eyes on Jesus and act in faith rather than allowing fear to make us sink (Matthew 14:30). God intentionally puts us in situations where we must rely on Him, not ourselves.
Additionally, leaps of faith are needed to grow us spiritually and deepen our walk with God. Just like a parent encouraging a toddler’s first steps, God prompts us to take faith-filled risks that stretch and mature our faith. Often it is only after we step out that we gain perspective and understand why God asked us to move (John 13:7).
Preparing to Take a Leap of Faith
When God calls you to a leap of faith, how do you prepare to respond courageously? Here are some biblical ways to ready your heart:
- Abide in Scripture. Immersing ourselves in God’s Word builds our faith and gives us a sound foundation for discernment (Romans 10:17).
- Build intimacy with God. Spending meaningful time in prayer, worship and fellowship with God helps us recognize His voice clearly.
- Obey in small things first. Developing a lifestyle of prompt obedience in small things prepares our hearts to follow God in bigger leaps (Luke 16:10).
- Examine your motivations. Leaping purely out of faith pleases God, not making reckless decisions to test Him (Deuteronomy 6:16).
- Seek godly counsel. Wise believers can help discern if a prompting aligns with God’s Word and Spirit (Proverbs 11:14).
- Surrender control. Releasing outcomes to God and lowering anxiety builds trust for when you can’t see the whole picture.
Taking the Leap
When God calls you to jump, move forward in faith:
- Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), who is absolutely trustworthy and able to keep you from falling (Jude 1:24).
- Consider God’s past faithfulness in your life. Recall specific times He provided, guided or redeemed you (Deuteronomy 7:9).
- Anchor your soul in God’s promises. Claim Scriptures about God’s presence (Joshua 1:9), power (Ephesians 3:20) and goodness (Psalm 145:9).
- Obey God’s voice fully, without added qualifications or delay (Joshua 1:7). Partial obedience is still disobedience.
- Hold God’s calling loosely, not your expectations about outcomes. Release how and when God does something (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Move forward in joyful courage, not anxiously or fearfully. Have boldness and buoyancy in God (Psalm 27:14).
Trusting God in the Unknown
Once you step out in faith, how do you keep trusting God when the way seems unclear and uncertain? Lean on these truths:
- God’s presence goes with you always (Deuteronomy 31:6). He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
- Nothing is unknown or uncertainty to God. He sees and knows everything perfectly (Psalm 139:1-4).
- God promises to complete His work in you (Philippians 1:6). He remains faithful when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13).
- God’s ways are higher and wiser than our limited perspective (Isaiah 55:8-9). We only see dimly now (1 Corinthians 13:12).
- God is sovereign over every circumstance. Nothing is random or outside His control and purpose (Romans 8:28).
- Walk by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). With the eyes of your heart, see the unseen reality of God’s kingdom.
Persevering in Faith
When a leap of faith stretches on longer than expected, how do you persevere believing when you don’t see the outcome? Consider these tips:
- Renew your trust in God daily. Don’t try to live on yesterday’s faith (Lamentations 3:22-23).
- Keep taking obedient steps forward, no matter how small. Let obedience unfurl into action (James 2:17).
- Guard against doubt and fear’s foothold. Take every anxious thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).
- Release unrealistic timelines. God’s timing is perfect; wait patiently for His unfolding (Habakkuk 2:3).
- Stay grateful for what God is doing. Thankfulness dispels fixating on what hasn’t happened yet.
- Look back at previous leaps of faith. Remembering God’s past faithfulness builds endurance (James 1:2-4).
Walking by faith rather than sight involves an ongoing series of small leaps into greater understanding. As we fix our eyes on Jesus through the journey, He continually invites us deeper into trust and obedience. While unknowns remain on earth, we can be certain of our unfailing Helper and Guide (John 14:26, Psalm 73:24). God uses leaps of faith to produce steadfastness and maturity in us (James 1:2-4) as we discover His faithfulness in ever-increasing ways.