We were babysitting grandsons. As the four-year-old stood on the toybox, Papa encouraged him to jump into his arms. This kiddo wanted to. He would get his toes right to the edge and then … step down to the floor, admitting, “I’m scared.”

We coaxed and reassured him that Papa would catch him. Finally, he leaped. Papa caught him and giggles filled the playroom.

Hebrews 11 is known as the “Hall of Faith.” It lists Old Testament characters who moved forward in faith, believing in and depending on a God who they could not see, but who was always faithful.

Most were regular folks who made plenty of mistakes. But when it counted, they stepped up and trusted God.

Abraham was one example. When told to go to a place where God would show him, he did! He eventually arrived in the land that one day would be known as Israel. He received no map. He didn’t know how far or how long he would travel. Abraham simply heard “Go” and he “obeyed and went.” (Hebrews 11:8-11)

Another example was Rahab from Jericho who risked her life by hiding the Israelite spies who came to check out their future homeland. Her faith in God was greater than her fear of the local king. God spared her and her family as the city was conquered. (Hebrews 11:31)

Hear this definition: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

Our grandson could hope Papa would catch him, but he couldn’t see it happen until he jumped. Imagine if he had never jumped!

Better yet, may we imagine God following through on all He’s promised. May we not remain frozen in fear, but instead, move forward in faith and experience God’s blessings.