Rock Climbing

For years I practised the art of rock climbing. I found it a way for me to focus on an obstacle and overcome it with strength, agility and determination. In my early days, I took many falls because I didn’t adhere to the rules. I thought that I could push myself and take unnecessary risks, when what I really needed to do was look up and clearly see the holds above me.

The primary rule is that at any point along your climb you must have at least three secure points before you let go to progress to another secure hold along your path. It was when I didn’t follow this rule that I would lose my hold and fall.

When I first began I practised by climbing only a few feet from the ground, so if I lost my grip I could easily jump to safety. It was not until later that I climbed above these few feet. In order to do it safely I needed to develop my trust in my safety line, or climbing rope, to catch me when I fell. It was stressed to me to honour and cherish this rope, as it was my security from pain and injury. No careless tossing of this line around, no careless stepping upon it, no dragging it through the mud that is found around the climbing site.

As Christians we must adhere to the rules of faith to stay secure in our climb over the obstacles before us. Jesus told us to not get distracted by insecurity and worry about what or how our life is, but to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness. As we do this, everything will come to us that we need to accomplish any given task we have.

There are anchors in our climb of faith. As we pray (seek His Kingdom), read the word and do His will (His righteousness), we will be able to handle the obstacles.

Where are you putting your trust today? Are you trying to handle life’s problems in your own strength? In our climb of faith, our security has to be in Jesus! He is our safety line! When we fall, He is there to catch us. Take hold of your lifeline today, and find your way over the obstacles in front of you.

Prayer: Oh Father how often I struggle to rush through and over the difficulties in my life, trusting in my own strength to do it. Lord, would You help me to make sure I have secure holds before I progress along in my journey with You? Will You keep me and protect me against the enemies of my soul? Lord, today I choose to trust in You as my lifeline, and in this I know I will be secure as I look for a way. Thank You for making my path straight and clearing the way for me! Amen.