Faith That Listens and Leaps
Faith waits for God’s signal, then steps forward boldly, trusting His promises over appearances.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Ray Stedman draws our attention to Jeremiah’s remarkable act of faith in buying a field while imprisoned, at a time when Jerusalem was on the brink of destruction. On the surface it seemed absurd. Why purchase land when the enemy was about to conquer it? Yet this decision shines as an example of what it means to live by faith, showing us that faith has both caution and courage.
First, Stedman notes the caution of faith. Jeremiah did not act on impulse, even though he sensed the word of the Lord. Instead, he waited for confirmation. Only after his cousin came to him exactly as God said did Jeremiah know it was truly from the Lord. This careful testing reminds us that impressions alone can mislead. The enemy of our souls can mimic the voice of God. Jeremiah models a patient faith, one that waits for God’s confirmation rather than rushing into action.
But faith does not stop with caution. It also includes audacity. Buying a field while the city is falling seemed irrational, even laughable. Yet true faith often looks foolish in the world’s eyes. Noah built an ark on dry land. Abraham set out on a journey without knowing his destination. Faith steps into the unreasonable because it is rooted in God’s promises, not in visible circumstances. This kind of faith is not reckless, but confident in a reality unseen.
Stedman’s reflection encourages us to recognize that genuine faith combines both discernment and daring. It patiently waits for God’s confirming word, yet once received, it moves forward boldly, even when the world calls it nonsense. Faith always rests on the higher knowledge of God’s word, not on the shifting sands of human reasoning.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, do not be hasty in following every voice you hear within. I will guide you, but My guidance is always confirmed by My word and by the working of My Spirit. Jeremiah waited, and I confirmed My word to him. I call you to walk in the same way, testing all things, holding fast to what is good.
Yet once you know My voice, do not shrink back. Faith may appear foolish to those around you, but you are not called to live by appearances. You are called to live by trust in Me. Noah built an ark when no one had ever seen rain. Abraham went out not knowing where he was going. Jeremiah bought a field while the city crumbled. In each case, they acted not on impulse but on the solid ground of My promise.
So when I give you a word and confirm it, do not be afraid to move forward, even when others laugh or doubt. Faith is not reckless, but it is bold. It waits, then it leaps, resting in the knowledge that I am faithful. Trust Me in the unreasonable, for My ways are higher than your ways, and My wisdom surpasses what the world can see.
Scripture References: Jeremiah 32:6-9, Hebrews 11:7-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 10:38-39, Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 4:20-21, Isaiah 55:8-9, Hebrews 11:1.
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine standing at a crosswalk where the pedestrian light is red. You wait as cars stream past, knowing it is not yet safe. Then the light changes, and though traffic still rushes by in the other direction, the way before you is now open. You step out, trusting that the signal has given you the right of way. Faith works like that. It waits until God confirms the word, then steps forward boldly, even if the surroundings still look chaotic.
Today, when I face a decision that seems unreasonable but confirmed by God’s word and Spirit, I can say with confidence, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment, even when the step feels risky.” That simple act of trust opens the way for His faithfulness to be displayed.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that You have given me both discernment and boldness. In You I can test every voice and rest in the certainty of Your confirmation. I rejoice that once You speak, I can move forward in confidence, even when the world calls it foolish. Thank You that faith is not blind, but anchored in Your promises. I walk today trusting that You are faithful, and that every step taken in reliance upon You is secure.