{Today’s guest is Boma Somiari. Boma is editor of THE MESSAGE, which is published by the women’s fellowship of WEGOM (World-wide Evangelism Gospel Outreach Ministries), a non-denominational evangelistic organization in Nigeria. Boma works whole heartedly for the Lord, and has a heart to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ as far and wide as she can. Please pray for Boma and her ministry.}
Jump. Just jump.
I could have sworn I didn’t think that thought voluntarily! To say it got my attention would be stating the obvious, but after it took up residence in my mind (and without my permission), we then had a problem that needed to be addressed.
Dear Jesus, I don’t mind taking that leap, but I don’t see where I’m headed – and that’s what the problem is!
Ok, so I know about walking by faith and not by sight, but did you ever wonder what the disciples must have felt as the ship was tossed with waves in the midst of the sea? And then they thought they saw a ghost approaching them!
Where are You, Lord?
Yes, I know about having faith like a child: That same faith that made Peter leave the boat as soon as he heard the Lord bid him come. Faith that does not take reason into account. Faith to trust and obey even when you have no idea what’s going on – or where you’re headed after you jump.
This is the kind of faith that’s required of those who follow Jesus, and especially those blessed with a call to serve.
We walk with the Lord, but no, it’s not always peaches, roses and sunshine, and sometimes the night gets very long.
Then there are those days when you’ve given of yourself – and more – and it’s still not enough. Like, we’re still people, people! (Does anyone get why this is so hard to see sometimes?)
We still trust, obey and follow though, because of the One in whom we have faith; the One who has called us.
There are times when a day is a long time to take it by – then we go by moments:
A moment at a time.
Because whatever we do, we must not give up.
The work would be done – and we cannot fail.
People need to hear about Jesus.
Children need to be fed, clothed and educated.
We are indeed salt of the earth, and salt that has lost its savour is good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
We cannot fail.
So pray for me please, as I stand, fingers crossed, holding my breath – you thought right – I’m about to take that leap.
Or better still, let’s stand together, holding and encouraging one another – and just take that leap.
Even though sometimes I forget, I know as sure as the air I’m breathing right now that we’re headed somewhere – and we cannot go too wrong because underneath are the everlasting arms.
Boma and I love to hear your thoughts! Everyone who comments on her post this week, will be entered to win a copy of David Jeremiah’s Quest Daily Devotional. Shower Boma with your love and comments! Winner to be announced next week.
Boma Somiari was born and raised in Port Harcourt, capital city of Rivers State in southern Nigeria. Her writing has appeared in various publications including The Message, a study magazine for women which she now manages as editor. She has been involved in preparing Bible study materials for children, and is currently working on a publication that seeks to encourage daily Bible reading and true devotion to God among youths. Her other interests include music, cooking, and crafts.
She blogs at The April Journal (www.theapriljournalblog.wordpress.com)
~ linda says
There are times when jumping is not something I want to do or think I can do. But your words — “…and we cannot go too wrong because underneath are the everlasting arms.” — remind me that if God is leading me, He is with me. It is in those quiet moments when I can sense His Presence, know His Voice, feel His Love and then a peace comes over me to know that I am on the right path. Thank you for your words, Boma.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Ellen says
Beautiful Linda! Thank you for your wonderful encouragement. Blessing to you today, my friend!
Boma says
And that peace… the perfect one that passes all understanding, enabling us, and empowering us to be obedient to our Lord. Thank You Jesus!
Ellen says
Yay! Boma’s here! What a beautiful and encouraging post it was, my friend! Thank you for sharing!
Boma says
Thank you so much Ellen, for the opportunity to share. Stay blessed.
Crystal S. Hornback says
YES! Let us stand and take that leap TOGETHER!!! Love this! Prayers for you, Ellen, and for Boma! #livefreeThursday
Ellen says
When we jump TOGETHER the fear is not as bad. And when we have Jesus with us we are strongest of all!
Boma says
Yes, together with Jesus is when we’re strongest!
Ellen says
Amen!
Carmen Horne says
Hey Boma! It is so good to see your smiling face! Beautifully written friend. Your words are filled with hope and encouragement to all in ministry. Your ministry is valuable to many. May God continue to use you and those who serve alongside you mighty.
Peace and grace, Carmen
Ellen says
Truth Carmen – a valuable ministry!
Boma says
Thank you so much Carmen. Stay blessed.
John Somiari says
God bless you Boma. I’m so proud to have you as a sister. Great words of encouragement.
Ellen says
Welcome John! I’ve never met Boma “in real life” but I am proud (and honored) to call her my sister in Christ. She has such a heart to spread the Gospel of Jesus! What an example she is to us all! Praying for you and yours, and especially for God’s peace in your country. Blessings to you today!
John Somiari says
Thank you and God bless you
Boma says
Proud of you too, John. Stay blessed.
Elizabeth says
Very lovely and encouraging! Recently, I’ve felt like I took a leap and have been falling, but right now, I feel like I’ve been flying on God’s wings. Thanks Boma and Ellen. God bless you both.
Ellen says
Oh Elizabeth! Soar on wings of eagles in His strength and with the power of the Holy Spirit! Grace and blessings to you today and always!
Boma says
Underneath are the everlasting arms! Keep soaring!
Kristine says
Oh Boma, I know exactly what you mean. So often I want to jump, but I want the leap to come with a guarantee that I won’t fall. I will be praying for you and your ministry! Thank you for this good word in season.
Boma says
And we already have that guarantee; one we can see only when we’re looking by faith! Thank you so much. Stay blessed.
Kathy says
I love the enthusiasm in both your writing and your intention to follow God’s call! Your faith is infectious, and whatever you’re up to, I’m excited for you knowing God will use you well, and blessings abound! Visiting today from #IntentionalTuesdays nextdoor!
Ellen says
Hi Kathy, I’m so glad you popped over. Like you, I believe God will use Boma mightily as she moves from fear to faith!
Boma says
Thank you so much. Stay blessed.
Jeanne Takenaka says
Ellen, I so loved your title and this post. Yeah, jumping takes a whole lot of courage. But, when God is nudging us, it’s the best thing we can do! 🙂 I feel like I’m doing a little bit of that right now too. 🙂 We step out in faith (literally). And if there’s air under us, we trust Jesus to catch us and guide us, right?
Ellen says
Jeanne, I’m so glad you enjoyed Boma’s guest post! Oh yes, so often I’ve only felt air underneath me! But He is faithful to catch and guide me! Blessings to you today. Thank you for visiting!
Boma says
We know He’d catch us, and guide us! Every time!
Boma says
We know He’d catch us, and guide us! Every time!