Leap of Faith

Before we all knew it, everyone’s lives were thrown into chaos with reports of hundreds of horrendous deaths around the world contributed to an unknown virus.  At the very beginning of the pandemic lockdown, like many of us, I found myself overwhelmed by fear of this unknown. My mind went into overdrive, trying to understand what COVID really was and what impact it might have on our world. At times, my thoughts spiralled so far that I feared it could wipe us all out. I managed not to fall into paranoia, but the constant mental churn left me utterly exhausted.
Some friends seemed completely unconcerned. They brushed aside any worry, confidently declaring that God would protect us if we trusted Him — often without acknowledging the very real darkness unfolding around us. I couldn’t embrace that kind of blind faith.
In the past as now, I  knew — deeply and personally — that God is my Saviour, protector, provider, and guide through many dark seasons. Time and again, only His miraculous intervention had carried me through. Remembering how God had acted so powerfully in my past gave me a strong and grounded faith. Yet in those early days of lockdown, I found myself struggling. I think the hardest part was facing the reality that I was not in control  — all was beyond me — and I could see no clear solution ahead.
Thankfully, that state of perplexity did not last long.
Ignoring the facts would have been like burying my head in the sand. The danger was real. People with a genuine faith were dying. It became painfully clear that, regardless of belief, my loved ones and I were vulnerable.
What I eventually realised was this: no matter what happened — to me, my family, or my friends — we were ultimately safe in Jesus, our Saviour. Even death itself could not separate us from Him. We will all face death someday, and if that day were today, then we would be held securely in Christ and welcomed into eternity with Him.
So once again — and certainly not for the last time — I took a ‘leap of faith’. I released my fear, surrendered my need for control, and chose instead to thank God for each precious moment.
I found myself painting as I processed the contrast of the depts of despair with the leap required for us to become free.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”
Psalm 56:3
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8“
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”
Psalm 77:11
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21
“Neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38–39
“We live by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7