“I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 CEV
“When staying in the comfort zone hurts more than leaping into the unknown, it’s time to leap” Rev. Sheila P Spencer
I was preparing to check off something from my bucket list: skydiving. Yes, Sheila, who has flown all over the world in planes, was going to VOLUNTARILY leap out of one from over 15,000 feet in the air.
Picture this: right before the leap, half of my body was in the plane, and the other half was out. I was suspended between the known confines of the plane and the vast unknown of the sky. My instructor said, “Sheila, are you ready?”. Suspended between the familiar and the unknown, fear gripped me. But with my instructor’s encouragement, I chose to leap. Letting go was terrifying, yet exhilarating. I know how eagles feel when they soar through the air. The breathtaking view that was waiting on the other side of my leap was indescribable.
Just before the leap, my instructor reminded me, “Sheila, you are attached to me. Even if you can’t see me or hear me, know that I am with you throughout the leap” (Insert Praise right here)
It reminded me of God’s promise to Joshua. His leap into leadership required courage and trust in God’s promises. He was the successor to Moses. I wonder if he thought about following in those giant footsteps … talk about huge shoes to fill. Joshua was going to walk into leadership with his unique calling and gifts. We have the benefit of knowing how God would use Joshua to lead them across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Conquer Jericho and the walls would come tumbling down and much more. This was waiting on the other side of the leap into leadership. Just as my instructor reminded me that he was with me before I took the leap out of the plane, God reminded Joshua that he would never be alone.
Both experiences yielded rewards beyond fear. There was a reward on the other side of the leap.
But it required taking the leap!
My leap litmus test: When staying in the comfort zone hurts more than leaping into the unknown, it’s time to leap.
What unknown are you being called to leap into? There are people who are waiting on the other side of your leap, I promise you.
Prayer: Lord, grant us the courage to leap out of our comfort zone, knowing that we are always connected to you and never alone. Even if it’s 15,000 feet in the air.
