(This week’s devotions are based on Sunday’s message: Win the Day…Kiss the Wave – LISTEN HERE)
Step of faith.
As his father lay dying, Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade is given a book of clues to navigate through obstacles to obtain the Holy Grail which was supposed to offer immortality to those that drink from it. He desired to get it to offer healing to his father. At one point, he comes to the edge of a cliff that appears to have no way across, yet he has to cross to get to the chamber in which the Holy Grail is supposed to be. The clue he has, “Take a leap of faith.” His father, as he is dying, whispers, “You must believe, boy.” Indy has no choice. He closes his eyes and steps off the cliff. Yet when his foot lands, he finds himself standing solidly on a camouflaged bridge crossing the gorge below.
The combination of the clue or promise and the compelling reason to move forward led him to step forward in faith. As a result, he moves safely across. (Here’s the clip: CLICK HERE)
While I would never look to Indiana Jones for theology, this moment in the movie is a vivid portrayal of what the Lord calls us to do when the waves of life come.
Sometimes we will not get to the other side unless we take a step of faith. When we take a step of faith, the Lord lays out the next part of his plan and we see him finish strong.
In Sunday’s message, I mentioned the crossing of the Red Sea. Each step by the Israelite community was a step of faith trusting that the walls of water would remain vertical until they got across. As they stepped forward in faith, the Lord finished strong by crashing the waters on the lives of the army of Pharaoh, securing safety and security for the people.
Exodus 14:21-22 The waters were divided, 22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
Exodus 15:1-2Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Or Peter who was invited by the Lord to step out of the boat onto the water. He could have stayed in the boat and never experienced the miracle of walking on water. Or at Pentecost when he stood up and addressed the crowd, confident now of the reality of the resurrection and the authenticity of Jesus as Lord. His standing up and speaking resulted in the Lord changing 3000 hearts to trust in him.
Acts 2:14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd:
Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
What wave is God calling you to kiss and take a step forward? Relying on his promises and presence we can take the leap of faith. The result is often seeing the Lord finish the situation strong. Our small step of faith is one giant opportunity for the Lord to show his presence and power in our lives.
But it starts with a step of faith.
Apply: What is preventing you from stepping forward in the promises and faith the Lord has given to you? What blessing would you anticipate as you take that step of faith?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me your promises and every reason to step forward in faith. Lead me away from timidity to boldness and confidence to step forward in faith and watch you finish strong. AMEN.