Stepping Off the Ledge
By Jamie Kent
“Am I really about to do this?” I said, staring at the notes on my laptop screen. It was the night before I was scheduled to teach a twelve-week Bible study at church, and I was filled with both excitement and fear. I hadn’t taught a Bible study in a long time, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to leave the safety of the ledge. But God was clearly telling me it was time. I had spent most of the summer praying, preparing, studying, and editing, and now the moment had come. It was time to step off the ledge.
That night, I went to bed with peace, knowing God was going to change hearts and impact lives, but I had no idea He would change mine in the process. Wednesday morning came, and I was expectant. At work, I counted down the hours until church, my excitement and nervousness growing by the minute. It felt like 5:00 p.m would never arrive, but when it finally did, I was the first one out the door.
When I arrived at church, I grabbed a quick meal with friends, but soon it was time. I made my way upstairs and began setting up the classroom. As people settled into their seats, I opened my mouth and said, “Let’s dedicate this time to the Lord.” In that moment, my feet had officially stepped off the ledge. This was really happening, and there was no turning back now.
Taking risks can feel a lot like standing on the edge of a tall cliff. We see the danger, and every instinct tells us to stay where it feels safe. Yet faith requires us to step off that ledge, trusting that God has not brought us this far to abandon us. Instead, He calls us to step off the ledge and fall into His arms.
Pastor Karl reminds us that the time is now:
“It’s never too late, and you’re never too old. You’re never too far gone, never too battered, and never too shattered for God to pull it all together. God can do more through your frailty than you can ever pull off through your learning, skills, and strength. If you can take a breath, you have a life that needs to be fully lived. Don’t let your dreams die.”
Risk-taking can look like going on a mission trip, talking to a neighbor about Jesus, leading a Bible study, or mentoring someone in their faith. Whatever risk God is calling you to take will come with fear, and if we are not careful, that fear can keep us from obeying Him. But God’s Word reminds us that we have nothing to fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Joshua 1:9 says, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
And one of my favorite verses, Isaiah 41:10, says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
Risk-takers are people who know God is calling them deeper—to take the next step of faith. They grow by spending time in God’s Word, praying boldly, and trusting Him with the unknown. And often, one act of obedience leads to another. One step of obedience often leads to another, and we may never fully know the impact of saying “yes” to God.
When my twelve-week class ended, God had brought real life-change to many of the people who attended. One woman began mentoring and pouring into two others who were walking through similar struggles. Another recommitted to the church after being away for a long time. Yet another felt called to get involved in missions. As for me, that risk ignited a passion for speaking and teaching. I never could have imagined that one step of faith would awaken a new calling within me.
Being a follower of Christ means we will eventually be asked to take risks. Just look at the twelve disciples. Jesus called them to leave behind their possessions, families, careers, and ultimately even their lives to follow Him. For each of them, it was a tremendous risk. Who would provide for their families? What would happen to their jobs? Was it really worth leaving everything behind to follow a man offering eternal life?
For the disciples, the answer was a resounding “Yes.” History tells us that nearly all of the disciples were martyred for the sake of the Gospel.
That same question still stands for us today: Are you willing to risk everything to follow the One who gave His life for your sins?
Many of you reading this have already taken that step and are faithfully walking with the Lord. Some of you have followed Him for years; others may be just beginning. And some of you may still be standing on the ledge, looking down and counting the cost.
If that’s you, I encourage you: take the step. Don’t wait another day. You will never regret following Christ. It is the greatest adventure you will ever experience!
If you need help taking that next step, reach out to us at info@the7resolutions.com. We would love to walk alongside you as you take this important step of faith.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Jamie Kent
Reflect:
Read 2 Timothy 1:7, Joshua 1:9, and Isaiah 41:10.
What “ledge” is God asking you to step off right now, and what fears are keeping you from taking that step of faith?
Have you ever experienced a time when taking a risk in obedience to God led to unexpected growth or blessing in your life or in the lives of others?
Jamie Kent works in a Community Recreation Center and plans and implements programs for senior adults, children, and families. She also leads Bible studies, mentors young women, and helps lead worship. She holds a Master’s Degree in Ministry Leadership from Moody Theological Seminary, and her passion is to help others grow in their faith. Jamie resides in Waco, Texas, and in her free time, she enjoys playing guitar and crafting.