Understanding the Leap of Faith

Last week, we explored what it means to have faith—the inner assurance that God is with us, even when we can’t see the whole path. Today, we’ll unpack what it truly means to take a leap of faith. For many Christian women, especially those of us with ADHD, taking this step can feel thrilling yet overwhelming. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) offers us an anchor: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” This scripture isn’t just comforting; it’s a reminder to trust God’s guidance, especially when stepping out into the unknown.

The Dual Nature of a Leap of Faith: Excitement and Fear

The idea of taking a leap of faith brings a mix of excitement and hesitation. Sometimes, the thought of diving into the unknown sparks a sense of possibility. You might think, “If I give my best, I believe this can work.” Other times, though, leaping without clear answers brings intense fear. What if I fail? What if I make the wrong choice? Facing the unknown without a roadmap can be daunting. I’ve personally battled the need for control—often hesitating to make decisions when the outcome isn’t certain.

Letting Go of Control: The Real Challenge

For many of us, taking a leap of faith involves relinquishing control. Letting go isn’t easy, especially if you’re like me and prefer knowing the plan, the outcome, and every detail along the way. When I don’t have these answers, anxiety creeps in. But through experience, I’ve learned that stepping out in faith often means surrendering to God’s process, even when I feel inadequate or uncertain. Trusting God requires us to believe that His plan is greater than our own understanding and that He has equipped us with everything we need to fulfill His calling.

Why Is It Hard to Overcome the Fear of the Unknown?

Our brains are wired to crave certainty and control. For women with ADHD, this need can be even stronger due to our tendencies to overthink, second-guess, and overanalyze. Facing the unknown may trigger fear responses that cause us to hesitate. But as we lean into God’s promises, we can remind ourselves that He doesn’t call us to anything without preparing a path—even if it’s not immediately clear to us. Proverbs 3:5-6 remind us to trust not in our understanding but in His wisdom and direction.

Practical Steps to Trust God and Release Control

To take a leap of faith and embrace God’s calling for your life, here are some ways to release control and trust Him more fully:

1. Pray for Surrender Daily: Each morning, ask God to help you let go of any need for control. A simple prayer could be, “Lord, help me to trust in Your plans today and release my fears to You.”
2. Reflect Through Journaling: Writing out your fears and anxieties can help you identify areas where you might be holding on too tightly. As you journal, bring these fears before God, asking Him to take control.
3. Focus on God’s Promises: When fear creeps in, turn to Proverbs 3:5-6. Meditate on its words and remind yourself that God is faithful. He will guide you in every step.
4. Build Your Faith Muscle: Trust is a habit we can build. Start with small acts of faith each day—whether it’s speaking up, saying “yes” to an opportunity, or praying for guidance on a decision. As you experience God’s faithfulness in small things, bigger leaps of faith will become easier.

Embracing the Leap

Taking a leap of faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having a heart fully surrendered to God, trusting that He is leading you. You don’t have to see the whole path—God simply calls you to trust Him, even when the road is uncertain. As you lean into His strength and let go of your need for control, you’ll find the courage to step out and fulfill His purpose for your life.

Let’s Chat!

1. What’s one area in your life where you feel God is asking you to take a leap of faith?
2. How do you remind yourself to trust God when you’re struggling with fear or uncertainty?
3. What are some ways you’ve learned to let go of control and trust God’s guidance?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let’s build a safe and strong community of support.  I look forward to hearing from you!