Are you sure?
This bookmark will be removed from all folders and any saved notes will be permanently removed.
Leaps of faith
An anecdote that’s often mentioned in sermons and motivational talks has to do with the impala. Impalas are amazing leapers. They can jump about ten feet in the air. While running, they can cover up to 30 feet in a single bound! However, impalas can be contained inside a fence that’s just several feet high if they cannot see outside the fence. They will not jump where they cannot see.
This got me thinking. Isn’t this exactly the same type of limitation that mortal mind, the limited mentality that opposes the infinite wisdom of God, would like to place on us? Don’t we all, at times, feel limited in our potential because we can’t see what’s ahead of us and won’t leave our comfort zone, stepping out in unwavering faith?
In 2011, I had an opportunity to make a complete change and move to another state. This move included selling a house in a depressed real estate market, purchasing a new house in a sought-after location, and moving to a larger city, where I knew very few people—in other words, start a new life. Wow, talk about leaving a comfort zone! I suddenly was faced with the ultimate challenge of total faith in God.
Referencing a passage from the Bible, Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “Step by step will those who trust Him find that ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’ ” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 444 ). I was praying to know that God was directing my every step, but more important, that “not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42 ) and “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (II Corinthians 5:7 ). The very fact that we can’t see the end result in any given situation, I was learning, precipitates our need for complete faith and trust in God. Much like the impalas who refuse to jump, we can feel imprisoned by animal magnetism, a term Mary Baker Eddy often uses in her writings to describe a mental pull toward fears of doubt, lack, and limitation. But how comforting to know that we can face those fears through prayer and resolve to walk forward with God, fully trusting in Him.
As I daily prayed for guidance, a story in the Bible’s book of Luke was also very comforting. It involves the disciples listening to Jesus and finding success when they follow his direction to fish on the right side of the boat (see Luke 5:1–11 ). It showed me how we must launch out “into the deep” in faith, put doubt aside; and in return what a blessing we’ll receive.
Yes, I did launch out into the deep, with giant steps of faith, when I made my decision to relocate. And, like the fishermen, I have been greatly blessed as a result. I’m now actively employed, have a lovely home that exceeds anything I ever could have imagined and I’ve met many nice people who have been so loving in helping me get reestablished. Also, I’m now very active in the local Christian Science church, which was not something available to me prior to the move. As I’ve said at a Wednesday evening testimony meeting, it’s not about material gain but about the true evidence of God’s care for us and the abundance of His love to meet our every human need.
When we move (or leap!) forward in faith, listen to God for His direction, and follow His commands, we never have to fear the outcome.
—Don Fleming, Bossier City, Louisiana, US