Each of these and many more have taken a step by faith.  None of these decisions were easy.  None of these decisions came without an internal struggle.  None of these decisions were popular.  None of these decisions came without sacrifice.  The common denominator, though, was faith in the living God, hearing His voice, and trusting Him explicitly.

Many times we are so consumed with ourselves and our situation that we don’t take time out to spend in the Word and present our requests to the Lord – "Let my supplication come before thee: Deliver me according to thy Word" (Psalm 199:170 KJ).  And then take the time to wait and listen for an answer from the Lord – "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31 KJ).

Coming to a faith-based decision is a combination of cerebral (understanding the consequences of a situation logically), emotional (reacting to what your heart says) and spiritual (listening to how the Lord leads you through His Spirit).  Often, depending upon your gender, one of the first two is weighted heavier than the others.  In reality, we should wait until the latter becomes perfectly clear.

Take for example Abraham.  There is nothing logical about his situation.  And emotionally, most parents wouldn’t even think about taking their child’s life, for any reason.  Abraham must have been fearful.  He must have played the situation over and over in his mind, probably right up to the time he lifted his knife.  There is no way he could have “reasoned” his way through the decision.  But he was told to offer up his son as a sacrifice, and he did.  And God blessed him and his family.

Not in any comparison to Abraham, but several years ago, I had a great job, which I loved, in the profession and career that I had planned for since I was a child.  I had a nice home with family and great friends around me.  And I had a great student ministry on the West Coast.  I was living “my” dream. 

I was presented an offer and faced with a decision to take a position in a ministry that promised to be a fraction of the pay that I was currently receiving (and a lot more work), to a place where I had never been (and knew no one), in a  profession that I was not trained for.  I feared being in all three situations.

By all “worldly” standards, there was no reason why I should have even considered taking the offer let alone accept it, except for a belief that the Lord was leading me to it and a desire to follow His voice. 

It wasn’t an easy decision and I can’t say that I don’t look back upon it once in awhile and wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t taken the job.  I know that financially and professionally I would have been more “successful” in the world’s eye by not following His leading.  But because my decision was bathed in prayer, and because it was a decision based on faith not fear, I can now rejoice upon the knowledge that my decision has impacted and changed the lives of many other people, hopefully more positively, forever. 

I’m sure there have been many other decisions in my life where I did not choose wisely because I was afraid of what people would think, afraid of what I may look like doing so, or afraid of what I may be missing out on by not “playing it safe.”  I sometimes wonder what blessings that I may have missed out on by doing so.

The image comes to mind of “Indiana Jones” in the movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark" where he and another archaeologist are asked to choose the challis from which Jesus must have drank.  One chooses the one adorned with gold and jewels, thinking that must have been the one for a king, while Indiana chooses a very non-descript simple vessel, one made for a carpenter.  Indiana chose wisely.

What decisions have you made by faith recently?  Can you name a time where you made a decision to do something that almost seemed like reckless abandon to those who weren’t familiar with your situation or your relationship with the Lord?

When faced with your next decision that seems to be so ridiculous that it makes no sense at all, don’t overlook it too quickly.  It just may be the Lord asking you to build a boat in the desert, give up something dear to you, or lead a group of people through a sea. 

Fear when faced with faith gives strength.

Cliff Young is a contributing writer to "Sandlot Stories" (ARose Books).  An architect and former youth worker, he now works with Christian musicians and consults for a number of Christian ministries. Got feedback?  Send your comments and questions to CYdmg@yahoo.com.