Life is filled with many decisive moments, e.g., the signing of a lease or mortgage, the pronouncement of vows by a couple, the moment a mother’s water breaks, and many similar situations.
These moments have something in common– a person has reached the point of no return. “The point of no return is the point beyond which one must continue on one’s current course of action because turning back is dangerous, physically impossible, difficult, or prohibitively expensive.” In these moments, only one choice is possible. Follow through and stay the course, hence the phrase “the point of no return.”
The point of no return is the point beyond which one must continue on one’s current course of action because turning back is dangerous, physically impossible, difficult, or prohibitively expensive.
Wiki
The point of no return vs. the point of genuine faith.
“The point of no return” originated as a technical term in air navigation to refer to the time and location during a flight when the aircraft no longer has enough fuel to return to its originating airfield. Important decisions may need to be made before the point of no return since it will be unsafe to turn around and fly back if the pilot changes their mind after that point.”
Spiritually, there is a parallel– It’s called “the point of genuine faith.” The point of genuine faith is when a person’s faith and commitment to serve God leads a person to an irrevocable course of action toward God where turning back is no longer an option; genuine faith has propelled the person forward.
Genuine faith in the lives of the patriarchs.
The biblical character Noah was led to the point of genuine faith when warned about things not yet seen; in holy fear, he built an ark to save his family. Likewise, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, Abraham obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. These men (and many other women) of faith in the bible, whether knowingly or not, discerned “the point of genuine faith” and made an irrevocable course of action toward God.
The faith journey will inevitably lead the believer to “the point of genuine faith.” Why? Because “the righteous will live by faith,” moving forward in genuine faith is normal (not extraordinary) for those who seek to mature in Christ. The apostle James also reminds us that “faith by itself, if it does not result in action (moving forward), is dead.
The liminal space that produces genuine faith.
The moment when we realize we can not stay where we’re at while knowing we have to move forward is the liminal space where maturity happens. If you sense the Holy Spirit leading you, ask yourself, “Have I reached the point of genuine faith?” If that is true, press forward in God! Don’t shrink back; Press into all God has for you and become all God desires.
Three questions to consider to move forward in genuine faith
- Am I tempted to do things the same way I usually do? If so, don’t. Genuine faith will require trust.
- Am I being led by the Spirit? Has the Holy Spirit opened a door? If so, commit your ways to the Lord, let the peace of God guide you, and walk through the open door. Rest assured that God can make the crooked path straight if you make a mistake.
- Am I operating in fear? If so, ask yourself why? In your honesty, you may discover you need healing. Holy Spirit is moving, and I believe those who trust and follow God’s leading will not be disappointed.
The point of genuine faith
Similarly to “The point of no return,” “The point of genuine faith” is a liminal space that requires wisdom and great discernment to move forward (or turn back). Holy Spirit is moving, and I believe those who trust and follow God’s leading will not be disappointed. I pray that if Holy Spirit is leading you, you will move forward with genuine faith.”
