Climbing Higher

I tried rock climbing once. My senior class in college took a trip to Yosemite National Park where the rock-climbing club from our campus volunteered to give a lesson to those who were interested. It looked easy enough; it wasn’t. Swaddled in harness and ropes, I began my ascent, quickly realizing that the strength I needed would have to come from my fingers and arms–every little muscle in each would be required for the task.

My legs existed for balance and support as my hands sought a sure grip for lifting myself to the next level. Halfway up the rock face, I thought I could go no further. I felt exhausted, but had to go on. I began to rely on a voice from above. That’s where my instructor was. Below, I could hear friends, my fellow first-time climbers, shouting much needed encouragement as I struggled through my shaky situation.

But my instructor was giving the advice I most wanted to hear: “Move your hand a few inches to the left, Janet. There’s a great handhold there. Do you see it? There! Now place your foot in that crevice and push yourself up. Keep going! Now move your other hand to that small ledge just above the other one. You’ve got it!”

I depended on these words and followed them as precisely as I could. Of everything He said, though, the words that comforted me most were: “Don’t be afraid. If you start to slip, I’ve got hold of the rope. You will not fall.” Life is like that climb. We lift ourselves up, one handhold at a time, while listening to that precious Voice from Above.

Our fellow climbers shout encouraging words as we make our way to the top. God’s voice is the one to listen for, though. He is there to help us find our way. Better yet, He’s got hold of the rope. We can depend on Him; if our feet start to slip, He’ll never let us fall.

Memory Verse:
“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your love, O Lord, supported me.”
–Psalm 94:18 (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:
“Precious Guide, thank You for holding me tightly with the harness and rope of Your love. Help me to listen for Your voice before making any move. Today I especially need Your assistance as I climb heights for You…”

Contributing Writer:
Janet Reeves