Recently my husband and I had our first experience indoor rock climbing together. From the ground, it looked easy. Plenty of foot holds and the height seemed do-able.
I was excited to take the first climb. As I approached the halfway point I started to realize the distance between the ground and my body looked larger. My muscles were beginning to feel tense.
Making a few more moves I came to the conclusion that the foot holds were getting smaller and farther apart. Feeling insecure I looked back at my husband. He could see me from a different point of view. He was able to direct a few of my moves. It seemed I was too close to see clearly.
Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever been in a situation where everything feels too close, suffocating? You can’t see the next move. All there seems to be to hold onto is fear, insecurity, pain. Your legs are shaking, hands clammy…then you call for help. Call out for a fresh perspective. And in the call, you are directed to peace, grace, love. They were there all along but you couldn’t see them. Your face was just too stuck in the footholds of fear, insecurity, and pain.
I have been there. I have set my hands and feet all too often into fear, insecurity, and pain even though peace, grace, and love were near. Near enough to touch, to hold on to.
Sometimes it takes a cry for help. Sometimes it takes trusting what you can not see.
Calling out for help does not make one weak. Calling on the name of Jesus gives strength. Just like in rock climbing when I asked my husband for help. Help to see clearly. See beyond the fear, insecurity and pain. Finding peace, grace, and love to get me to the top. The call to my husband gave me renewed strength. Likewise and more, a call on our Savior provides the strength and courage for whatever situation.
Wherever you are at today, call out to Him. Let God lead you from the footholds of fear, insecurity, and pain and into the wings of peace, grace, and love.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. NLT
Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. NLT
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. ESV
Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ESV
So often I find myself trying to accomplish a task in my own strength. When I go to Him, asking for wisdom, He gives it so readily and generously. So much easier to let go and trust , knowing my God’said “got this”.