Will the Rope Hold?
If you need encouragement during difficult times, someone is always here to pray with you!
The summer between my 3rd and 4th year of university I worked at Yellowstone National Park. It was a great summer, full of adventures and new experiences.
On a day off, I had signed up for a day long class in rock climbing. I was successfully making my way up the side of a mountain when the instructor surprised me with an unexpected challenge, when he said, “I want you to push yourself off and fall on the rope!” Questioning why he would ask me to do this, I hesitated, and he wisely pointed out that, “You will never be a good rock climber until you can trust that the rope will hold you. Push yourself off and fall on the rope.”
I was afraid. Obviously, my trust was in my ability to use my hands and feet to scale the mountain. The rope was a secondary source of security, in case I slipped (which I did not plan to do!). I eventually did let go of my hand holds, and I’m here to tell you that the rope held!
There are times when God seems to say the same thing to me as my instructor did that day. “Take the step, release your hands on what you are holding and see that I’m trustworthy.” The writer of the Psalms wrote, “O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the person who takes refuge in Him!” Psalm 34:8
Just as I would never be a good rock climber without experiencing that the rope will hold. The same is true of my spiritual life. I will never be a responsive Christ follower if I am unwilling to let go of whatever I am grasping when God says, “Let go, trust me.”
Are you willing to let go of the things that give you security? We can only experience God’s goodness when we take those, sometimes scary steps that take faith. Do you trust God is able to hold you securely when you let go of the things that provide comfort or security? What step is God asking you to take? Could it be he is asking you to let go of a relationship, finances or a position … A thought that comforts me is God holds the universe together it is likely He can provide all I need to hold life together … Enjoy the adventure!
Father God, Help me today to truly trust You and to let go of the things I have been putting my trust in. You alone are able to hold me securely! Thank you.
Questions: What step is God asking you to take today? What are the things we look to, other than God, for our security?
I am currently between jobs and I just realise everyday that I need to let God take control of getting that next job for me. God is in command and I’m just here for the ride.
This is so timely! I have let go and I am enjoying the adventure. Thank you for the confirmation!
Hi Deirdre,
Wow, thanks for sharing about your 23 year old son. I trust you will continue to see God’s supernatural hand. Keep trusting!
This one today, was so truthful in my life until it hurt, I am have to let go of every problem, and I thank you, for helping me see a fault in my life. FROM NOW ON. I will let go and let God, my faith is stronger.
thank you, again
thank you. :(
God wants me to Truly Believe that no matter the demons in my head he accepts and Loves me for who I am and that when the voices in my head says You are not accepted for who you are and all the lies you have told to be accepted all the thoughts that you have to perform to be liked all the world is open to you just be who you are and feel you have to be but be real and honest
Our 23 uni. Son was arrested 2 weeks ago, while he sat in jail for 5 days awaiting release the salvation army tract was his only reading material. Psalm 63 became his rope, he was falsely accused , yet had to wait on the systems for his freedom. He had the face to face meeting of God like Paul, he went in spiritually blind a came home to us a son completely given over to God. This week the challenges have burst into our reconilation bubble .my rope is now releasing all circumstances to God with our family. I want complete freedom as in Galatians 5: 1 yet I do not let go to God. Dear Heavenly Father help me!
i left my acolholic husband.8years ago i still him we havent divorced but,,, this week his sister passed he came home with a woman on his arm.when the minister passed out rose at the semetary i set behind them she got flowers frommy sister-in-law not me i have been going down hill meantally since i want half of every thing he has now meaning that 401k and keep my life insurance and insurance and almoney,i am really smitten
kc you are never alone God is ALWAYS with you and He hears your prayers. i will be praying for you too.
heather God always comes through. just keep your faith and keep praying and believing
My marriage of 23 years is likely to break up and since I have been praying about this alot, knowing how sacred vows are, I am still confused. I dont know if I am more scared of letting go or if it is just the fact that I cannot face failure. we recently lost a child and since then things have just been going wrong. i am the only breadwinner but also battle with a husband who is an abusive alcoholic. I often talk to God and ask for direction and answers but maybe I’m not listening to what God is telling me. I need all the prayers I can get as I am not only in a financial crisis, but I feel alone and helpless.
I am trying to learn to let go. I have been without a job since Nov and I am on my own. I am applying for jobs and have gotten a few phone interviews but nothing after that. I am scared and confused. I keep praying and looking for God to work but in the back of my mind I am trying to figure out what I can see if he doesnt come thru for me. Someone told me once that I had better have a Plan B in case God didnt come thru for me and that has had me messed up every since. I would appreciate your prayers.
mike, thank you for this devotional. it allows me to speak other than through prayer of the fact that my ‘not letting go’, my rope is my shyness. the shyness that surrounds me have kept me safe (or so I thought). although it has taken me many many years, I am slowly, slowly coming outside the safe zone and that is because of the strength of Jesus in my life. i feel i’v gained immensely as I am easing into the fellowship with more confidence. i was asked recently at church to help during the service and i didn’t hesitate. i know it doesn’t sound like much but believe me, it’s a huge step for me.
i am trusting God to help my daughterinlaw with her durg and drinking problems i pray for her every day and know He will heal her in His time. i allso cling to Him for my own personal healing
This is a good message for me today. My husband and I have to get our house ready to sell since he has been without a job since November. I have such mixed emotions. I want to blame my husband, I am grieving and can’t seem to motivate myself to get the things done necessary to sell the house. And yet I am encouraged, because I know my heavenly Father is going to be with me and my family every step of the way as we let go of the rope.
All who read this, we need all of your prayers in a mighty way. Pray that I am merciful to my husband and have a positive attitude so my children are not afraid. Thank you all
As they say, “Trust is a must!” I am learning that sometimes God leads us to trust Him in areas that seem to make no present sense. I ask myself, “Why would God lead me to move away from or leave behind relationships that on the surface seem good and well meaning?” In the past three years I have swung like a pendulum hanging on to what I know I should leave behind and trust God with. I could’ve saved myself much heartbreak and frustration had I listened when He first started nudging my heart. But, I have learned that God is ever so faithful! Throughout the unanswered questions, illogical reasonings, and even the bitter tears of rejection, God was my most faithful and sure friend. I have learned to trust Him a little more with my heart and in the process of trusting -I am recieving His peace, blessing, and joy. “Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him……..Oh for grace to trust Him more!”
I am expecting my first child and I pray daily. I cannot depend on man, they have let me down. I only depend on God and my husband. I am hoping I will be able to let God in to help me deal with the childbirth pain as he has helped me with sadness and family matters before. God is so amazing, why is it so hard for humans to give up control?
This devotional is so timely for me. My daughter is planning for college in the fall. I trust the God will allow all the pieces to fall into place and make this a reality. I visualize a road, with college at the end, as I pray for just the right solutions.
I’m reminded of Jonah 2:8 ~ “Those who cling to worthless idols, forfeit the grace that could be there’s.” Let go! He will not let you fall or do without.
gd