Remember this photo? It was all over the internet a couple of years ago. If there isn't a sermon in this little guy at the top of the hill, then I am blind! I've kept this in my file since it struck a chord.
Sometimes faith feels like this.
I mean the kind of faith that is required when the answers to our prayers are out of our hands.
We all have them, circumstances in our lives that require just trusting God, nothing else can 'fix' it.
We don't really know what the ride holds, we just get on that board and go...
The logical part of me knows that God will not let me down, He never has, He never will.
But that other part... the one that does not see how on earth what is ahead can work... that's the part this picture brings to mind.
I wish I could say that my faith hops on board every time, and just rides... knowing full well that I am safe.
There are many times when I have to learn, again, that I am completely safe when I trust God.
... "I will never leave you or forsake you".
... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart..."
... "Underneath are the everlasting arms"...
... "Fear not..."
..."Don't worry about anything, instead trust God for everything..."
And there are so many more. Promises that never change. Promises that cover all of it...
finances
marriage
children
parents
jobs
the future
health
The view from where this boy is standing is probably exciting to him. He will have a thrill on his ride down, and splash into the water with great delight.
The view, for me, is completely different. I see a wheel falling off, a rock on the way down, or losing my focus and flying off the path, maybe even a man eating shark when I hit the water!
Faith in God makes the ride possible, and much
more.
Faith is risking all the possibilities and perils ahead based on the sure promises of God, promises to be there through the whole ride and lead us through it to the very place He has in mind.
Each time we take a new ride of faith, we understand more fully the faithfulness of God.
I wish this picture had a second one, showing the boy laughing out loud as his feet hit the water.
That's the kind of faith I want.
12 comments:
That is a lovely post and a wonderful reminder. It goes along with with I have been telling myself, sometimes I have to get out of the book to see a miracle. I like the safety of the boat. I like that picture too, I think faith is like that, just shut your eyes and hang on for the ride.
It all comes down to whom do you trust?
I have done lots and lots of clinging to those verses.
I don't ever remember seeing that picture! Almost gave me butterflies in my stomach just imagining the outcome. I want the kind of faith you write about here too. Holding on to God's promises is the only way to live this life of ups and downs! Thanks for the encouragement today, Sonja.
Hugs!
Great illustration.
THANKS.
Me, too. Thank you for this post...
Just great! Yes, I want it too..I also want the desire to get on the board and even try!
Faith, that is what it is called when we can't see the end results, if we could, it wouldn't be called faith.
I also want that kind of faith. I want to be on an adventure with my God and to fully trust Him in all things. It's a life long journey of growing in Him. I have to admit that just looking at that photo scares me. But I am learning and growing.
Love you,
Debbie
That's exactly the kind of faith that I want, too, and I will be honest and say that I don't have it. I looked at that picture and didn't even think of the wheel falling off or a man eating shark. ALL I saw was the big curve down to the water, and it was enough for me.
I'm not proud of it, but I'm kind of the same way with other matters of faith. I looked at this and realized that I'm such a stupid chicken that I'm actually afraid of the ride.
Well, I'd never get on that board to start with ... too scary. And yet, faith is often like this.
Yes, a second picture would be nice.
That is a picture that will preach, indeed! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am feeling so overwhelmed. Helpless to solve so many situations in my family right now. I am somewhere careening madly down that ramp...
Your encouragement blessed me today. And I will hold on - Trust, fear not, don't worry.
Yes, Lord, I believe that - help my unbelief.
GOD BLESS!
I haven't seen this photo but I like the challenge you write about. Faith pleases the Lord; I want mine to grow too!
Oh my ... I feel like I'm halfway down that slide right now with my swimsuit stuck on a nail & splinters in my you-know-where. Taking a deep breath as I seek the Lord's rescuing hand (the one with tweezers).
Love your perspectives, as always!
Me, too! Thank you for writing such an
eloquent and encouraging word. We
will always have those wobbly wheels,
weak knees, better just stay on them.
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