Trust without a Sefety Net: The Freedom of Seeing the Choice

“How do you know it’s even real?” I’ve asked that question a few times. Let’s be honest, I’m currently asking that exact question about this whole crazy dream-based faith adventure I’m part of right now. The entire thing is built on a dream Chad had. The tweaks and changes we make along the way? Yep, those are based on more dreams. Sounds like a risky plan, right? How do I know it’s what Jesus wants us to do? The answer is: I don’t know. But I’m choosing to trust.

I needed to write this before I’ve seen anyone healed, delivered, or saved. Because, once those things happen, it’s too easy. At that point it will be knowledge to me, but to you I’ll just be another guy saying, “Trust me, I’ve seen it,” and you’ll still be right back where you started—wondering if I’m full of it.

So, let’s talk about what’s really going on here: Right now, I’m choosing to trust a couple I barely know, Chad and Julia, who live as if Jesus is giving them secret assignments straight out of heaven. They step out in faith, they claim to see supernatural results of their choice to live boldly for Jesus, and they are inviting Whit into their lifestyle of risk. So what do I do with that?

Let me walk you through the rollercoaster that is my brain when I’m faced with this level of trust.

Jake’s Big Assumption #1: Belief is Always a Choice

Let’s get this straight: belief is never more than a choice.

Do you believe Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life? It’s because you chose to believe that based on the people you trust, the Bible, or the experiences you’ve decided mean something.

Do you believe there’s no God? Same thing. You’ve chosen that based on people, or evidence that aligns with your current world view or experience.

Did masks and vaccines save the world from COVID? It’s your choice to trust the people who said so.

Did masks and vaccines do more harm than good? You’re choosing to trust people who told you something different.

We like to think we know things, but in reality, we’re just making choices about what we believe. It’s important to understand that distinction: what you think is knowledge is often belief. And if you can wrap your head around that, you’re already ahead of the curve.

Jake’s Big Assumption #2: Trying to Be Right All the Time is Exhausting

I suppose you could spend hours analyzing data, creating elaborate pro-con lists, and convincing yourself that you’ve got it all figured out. But the truth is, you’re just choosing which data matters and which data doesn’t, then pretending you’ve weighed it all equally to arrive at the fact. 

So here’s my real life: I’m looking at this couple, Chad and Julia, who are all-in on their Jesus-given missions. I don’t have any “proof” that their experiences are legit. So, how do I make the decision to trust them?

It’s simple: I choose.

No endless debate, no weighing evidence until I’m blue in the face. I just know what I value, and I align my decisions with that. And guess what? Julia and Chad’s life looks like one giant billboard of my values: boldness, risk, adventure, faith, obedience, and going big.

That’s why I’m choosing to trust them.

How to Make Trusting a Choice, Not a Gamble

I’m not saying I’m reckless. I want to know why I’m making the choices I make. So, let’s take a little trip through my internal decision-making process:

• Gut Check: I relate to Chad. We think similarly, so when others might see him as reckless, I see a kindred spirit. I understand his quirks, and I believe he’s got a good heart—even when the execution isn’t perfect.
• Eye Test: I’ve watched Chad & Julia’s values in action. Chad called off a paddle early when the team wasn’t ready to finish the route, and I respect that. It takes humility to stop the mission for the sake of the team, and humility is huge for me.
• Heart Check: I’ve seen Chad pray. I’ve seen Julia pray. I’ve seen them lead their family. I’ve watched them inspire others, including Whit. These are people fully surrendered to Jesus, and that speaks volumes to me.
• Spirit Check: I ask God. I listen to what He says. I align it with the Bible, with my faith-filled friends, and with my own spirit. And you know what? I like what I hear.

In the end, I’m choosing to trust Chad. I choose to believe he and Julia both hear from God. I choose to believe Whit does too. I choose to believe the stories the Catch the Wave team shares aren’t just made-up fairy tales. And if I’m wrong? I’m not going to beat myself up. I know why I made my choice, and that’s what matters.

The Takeaway: Choose Wisely, Then Live Boldly

If you’re in a spot where you’re trying to decide if you can trust someone or something, and you’re waiting for proof—good luck! It could be a long wait.  But, if you see a choice in front of you—Congrats!  Just realizing that belief is a choice puts you way ahead of most people.

Here’s are 4 things to remember:

1. Trust is a choice, not a guarantee. Don’t wait around for 100% certainty, because life doesn’t work that way.
2. Trying to be “right” will keep you stuck. It’s better to be moving forward with faith than paralyzed by doubt.
3. Know what you’re choosing and why. Set boundaries, check your gut, eyes, heart, and spirit—then make the call and stick with it.
4. Once you choose, act like you’re right. Life’s too short to leave every decision “open” while waiting for more evidence. Step out in faith and close the loop. 

Ultimately, the truth will be revealed, but until that day comes, we live by faith. And you know what? That’s great news because it’s not knowledge that moves mountains, its FAITH