The ballerina twirled, skipped, and leapt across the darkened stage, captivating the audience who sat mesmerized before her. Music swelled as she paused, inhaling deeply. On cue, she launched herself across the stage toward her waiting partner. Strong hands grasped her waist, raised her high overhead, and returned her to earth, a delicate feather coming to rest after its flight. 

Arms raised in triumph, she smiled, accepting the applause that rose from the watching crowd. 

Seated in the third row, I felt the air leave my lungs. I’d been holding my breath, wondering if the ballerina’s partner would catch her during this all-important grand finale. 

Sometimes I am that ballerina.

I’ve never studied ballet, but I’ve been dancing for more than 35 years. I’ve never strapped on toe shoes, nor have I worn a tutu. But I’ve been learning to move in harmony and partnership with the Savior who gives life and breath to every move I make. 

As a new believer, my faith steps were tentative. Could I trust this Partner I’d pledged my life to? When I turned to him in times of fear, despair, or confusion, would he remain by my side? When I followed his lead on unfamiliar paths, would he prove to be trustworthy? Committed to my good? Wise? 

My faltering steps became surer as my Partner proved, over and over again, his commitment to me. When I cried out to him in times of need, his generous hand sustained me. During periods of sorrow or grief, he became my ever-present comfort. When I felt lonely or abandoned, his still, small voice whispered truth into my ears, assuring me I wasn’t alone. 

The longer I’ve danced with my Savior, the more trustworthy I found him to be. Step by step, routine after routine, set after set, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has become the God of Lori Hatcher, too. Faithful. Ever-present. Unchanging. 

Over the years, day to day opportunities to trust have become routine. Other situations, however, still cause me to hold my breath. Big issues call for big trust – trust that commands both feet to leave the ground, confident that the One who has proven faithful will not let me fall. 

Like the ballerina preparing for her grand finale, sometimes I must pause, take my position, and launch. Full speed. No hesitation. No turning back. Every time I’ve done so, God has caught me. Not for my glory, but for his. 

“And without faith it is impossible to please God,” the writer of Hebrews tells us, “because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). 

I don’t know what you’re facing right now. A frightening diagnosis? A broken relationship? A financial trial? Maybe you’re gazing into an uncertain future or watching a dream die. 

Whatever lies ahead of you, choose faith. Don’t be afraid to launch yourself into the arms of our great and loving God.

He will catch you. 

Every. Single. Time. 

“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip” (Psalm 121-1-3).