The Call and the Leap

There comes a time in most people's lives (I say most, because I know there are some that either never heed or never hear) when they receive their call.
For some, I think it comes in the calm, quiet sense of purpose that arises from the soul. For some, perhaps it is a literal voice acknowledging or inviting a person to this new place or position. And for others, maybe it is the passion that is suddenly felt when doing a certain thing, or being allowed to flex the 'muscles' that they have been gifted with.
All great ways to sense your calling.

But what if you feel like you have been called to take a leap of faith?

In the past, I have thought about the concept of the 'leap of faith' from Kierkegaard. The thing that sticks out prominently is the issue of faith and doubt coming hand-in-hand. To have the capacity to have great faith, there must be the reality of great doubt to either conquer or overcome. The extreme, and terribly overused and cliche, example is Indiana Jones taking "a leap of faith from the lions head". Now, not everyday are we put in the situation where such a leap could end in our demise. But how often are we placed in the situation where we feel like our decision determines the course for our lives?

I don't like the idea that you can make a decision that will alter your future forever. I believe we have been created as beings of free will to choose for ourselves. I also believe that most people pursue life choices that ultimately benefit or better their current situation. That said, I don't believe in scenarios in which you are forced to make a hard decision (perhaps between two GOOD options) and then a cruel, uncaring God responds with, "WRONG CHOICE. I'm over here. Good luck getting back."

But what happens when you are placed in a circumstance in which you feel a strong calling, a profound directive, to do something which you don't perceive to have any results, positive or negative? So you make the choice. Perhaps you have chosen to step up to the plate, take a crack at that ball, and.....

What game are we playing? Baseball? Softball? Cricket?........ Rugby?

Someone said recently that it feels like jumping off a cliff, and either waiting for a parachute to open or for gravity to take it's toll.
Another place I've read, you take a leap of faith and you either find something to hold on to, or you learn how to fly.

I've taken such a leap. I've felt such a call, yet perceived no true result to the obedience which I might display. I am terrified to the point of tears, yet confident that my lifeline will be thrown soon.

So I'm reaching out with open hands...