“There are many talented people who haven’t fulfilled their dreams because they over thought it, or they were too cautious, and were unwilling to make the leap of faith. “

– James Cameron

I’m an over thinker.

I overthink my day, my ideas, my dreams – EVERYTHING!

Giant leaps of faith terrify me so I don’t do them very often but I like to encourage others in pursuit of their dreams. So basically, I’m not about to go cliff jumping but I’ll bring a picnic basket to fuel your adventure while I’m safely on the ground.

Anyone else guilty of this?

If you’re still reading this, I think it’s safe to say that either you’ve been there before or you’re doing it right now. The leap to what you want to do or who you want to be is too risky so you stick to certainties even if it makes you miserable, even if it leaves you feeling empty.

Nothing is fulfilling about staying where you are when God has called you to go.

Can you imagine what would have happened if Noah didn’t build that ark? If Moses didn’t return to Egypt? If David didn’t fight Goliath?

Neither Noah, Moses, nor David would have been able to witness the strength and faithfulness of God. They would have missed out.

That’s not to say it’s easy to do what they did. I mean, I’d like to say I’m like David who confidently picked up those five stones and killed the Giant. But the truth is, I’m running in the opposite direction.

Now, Gideon, he’s my guy. I can identify with him. Not only did he question God over and over again, but he asked for not one, not two, but THREE signs from God (Judges 6-7). Classic overthinker here – anyone else still asking God for a sign?

But the thing about Gideon that we have to remember is that even after he questioned God, he didn’t stay where he was. He still took that step.

When asked to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and built a new one, Gideon did it. He was still afraid so he did it at night but that’s a step. And that step led to another step which led to another one until eventually, it led Gideon’s little, tiny army to defeat the Midianites just as God said.

So, maybe the leap of faith doesn’t have to be the big jump right away. Maybe it’s just one step up the cliff. Whether it’s one step or the millionth, you’re still choosing to walk in obedience.

Friends, I don’t know the dreams that God has placed on your heart but I do know that they are big enough to scare you and keep you where you’re at. I know because mine has paralyzed me my entire life. Even putting this out there took years of overthinking, but dwelling on the “what ifs” is only going to keep you wanting more.

Let me say it again – Nothing is fulfilling about staying where you are when God has called you to go.

You and me, we’re in this together. Let’s stop waiting for the billionth sign from God and just start walking.

This is my first step. Now, it’s your turn.