Kicked Off the Zip Line
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Has fear ever physically paralyzed you? It did me.
On a mission trip to Jaco, Costa Rica our leaders planned a zip-lining excursion for an off afternoon. Now heights can give me vertigo, but I thought it too good of an opportunity to pass up.
We got all harnessed up, trained, and off we headed. The lush canopy of leaves kept height from being too much of an issue, but the speed at which you “zip” caused me great panic. No one prepared me for that.
The farther we went the harder I gripped the handles above my head. About midway through I found myself flying toward a huge tree. Everyone yelled at me to brake. I froze and could not let go of those handles.
Fortunately, a guide broke my impact into that tree and I survived unhurt physically. Getting asked to depart the zip line at that point though came as a great embarrassment.
Fear can do strange things to a person. In my case on, it kept me from enjoying God’s beautiful creation.
God has a purpose for each of us. If we believe that statement, why do we sometimes grip so hard to our comfort zones? If misgivings and lack of confidence paralyze us, what does that say about our faith in him?
God provides us with all the spiritual “gear” and training we need to accomplish his tasks. Not that we do not encounter challenges, but He already knows all about those. He equips us to conquer them in his strength not our own. Fortunately for us, He does not kick us off if we have a moment of insecurity and forgetfulness. He offers his help.
Father, help us to remember You can handle our fears. You hold us in your right hand and will help us. Thanks for giving us your courage.
Susan Partida
