A Spectacular Swan Dive of Faith

Ah, the leap of faith. It’s been written about many times, by writers much more accomplished and insightful than this one. But in my morning Bible reading, I came across a beautiful example of a spectacular swan dive–straight into God’s protective care. In 1 Samuel 1, we see the favored wife of Elkanah, Hannah, praying fervently for her deepest desire, a child. When it was granted her, in the form of her son Samuel, she did the unthinkable: she gave her child away. What a sacrifice! For a time after she gave Samuel up, I’m sure she was sad and lonely, and perhaps even unsure of her decision. Shouldn’t I be the one to raise my own child? He can still serve God at home. What if he’s acting up for the priests? What if the priests are too hard on my little boy? What if he was my only child, and I just gave him away? And then, glory to God, she conceived again. And again and again and again and again! Five more children God blessed her with, and the gratification of seeing her son rise to become a great tool for God’s kingdom. All because of Hannah’s leap of faith.

Not many of us can think of a sacrifice of similar magnitude. Once, I made what would be called perhaps a hop of faith in comparison to Hannah’s spectacular swan dive: I ended a romantic relationship with a young man who treated me like a princess, and required very little in return. He was shocked, and it was hard, but I knew that he was not the man God wanted me to be with. And three days later, I met my prince! (That gassy guy snoring on the couch? Yeah, that’s my prince.) I truly believe that was God’s reward for my doing His will. It’s a lesson I return to over and over, and one that has probably prepared me for grander leaps in the future.

Take note: reading this blog entry just might be God preparing you for your own leap. Are you ready?