Choose Life: Readings For Radical DisciplesSample

Faith or Commitment?

One bleak night there was a house fire in a neighborhood. All the family members were able to make their way through the smoke-filled rooms and into the yard except a five-year-old boy. He found himself cut off in the upper bedroom, and sat crying by the window and rubbing his eyes. His desperate father tried running back in but was beaten back by the flames. He looked up to his son and yelled, “Son, jump! I’ll catch you.” Through the billowing smoke and in between the sobs, the little boys bleated, “But I can’t see you!” His father answered with great assurance: “No, Son, you can’t, but I can see you!” The boy jumped and landed safely in his fathers arms. He had faith in his father, but when he jumped he made a commitment. 

Whenever I’m in situations outside of my control, I’m comforted by the thought of the size of God’s hands! He’s got the whole world in his hands, so they’re big enough to catch me when I’m in free-fall. When he says “Jump”, I can be confident of the result. He is our refuge, as the verse says, and underneath are his everlasting arms. Sometimes, however, despite the head knowledge or mental assent (faith) to the fact that he will catch us, we refuse to commit to the jump. We want to remain in control even when it’s no longer ours to have. 

Whatever you’re facing today- financial issues, relational problems, health concerns, or whatever- commit them fully to God. Trust him with them. Put yourself in his hands. Be comforted that with him you will get through. 

Lord, today, I choose to cast all my anxieties on you, because you care for me. Amen!