Looking for Answers...
The Leap of Faith
What do you do when you don't have all the answers? How do you respond when action is needed, but the data is lacking? Chad recently experienced this while working with a small team of engineers to solve some very complex problems at a nearby fish farm. They got an overview of the project site, met with the leaders of the organization to better understand their problem and then spent nearly two weeks gathering more information, developing solutions and testing their ideas.
There were many unknowns and new information was coming out every day, sometimes appearing to contradict what was learned earlier. However, the time was ticking and an answer was expected. The team could have delayed and said more time and data was needed, but the return plane ticket was not moving- an answer was necessary before the departure. So, with still more unknowns then answers, but based on faith of the information already obtained, previous experience and our gut instinct, potential solutions to the problem were presented. The client was encouraged to try one or two small steps and the to look for results. If the expected result was not obtained then to try a slightly different approach.
Many situations in life can be very similar to this story. Maybe someone has told you a little about God, or you have done some research and investigated the claims of Christ. Maybe you are already a follower of Jesus and you are not sure of the next step in your journey. This is a hard place to be in, but please don't let it immobilize you! It may be that now is the time for action and that action requires a leap of faith. In this world, we rarely know all the answers, seldom are we 100% certain of the facts, but action may still be required. In those instances, we choose to trust God and what we already do know of Him. We take a small step and look for results or responses from God. Are you in a place where now is the time for action?
Viral Lessons Many people in this part of the world are keeping their eyes on the news for the latest updates on COVID-19. Where are they occuring, are there new outbreaks or is there is reduction in the new cases? How do we stay safe in the light of this potential pandemic, especially living in Asia and where a cruise liner just docked and released over 2000 passengers? Our response has been similar to the above leap of faith. We have come to the conclusion that living a life fully requires the potential for danger or sickness. Every day, in every city, in every country, people face dangers of many kinds - automobile accidents, muggings, catching the flu or falling and injuring oneself. It is possible to be overcome with fear, with uncertainty and to become immobilized. It is also possible to respond with ignorance, continuing a course of action unaware of the potential pitfalls and doing nothing to prevent them. Everyone is at some point along this continuum and must make the decision for themselves where they land. We have chosen a mixture of faith, wisdom and action. We firmly believe that God loves us ( John 3:16) and works for our good ( Romans 8:28). We also know that his ways are higher than our ways ( Isaiah 55:8-9). We read the news, listen to the advise of medical professionals and evaluate our actions in light of this. Then we move forward, sometimes with a little more hand sanitizer or sometimes with a mask, but always trusting God for our future. What is your response? | 
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