I have always loved climbing. When I was a kid, I used to scamper up trees, I never lost a game of “Grounders” on the playground, and I even slept on the top bunk. Needless to say, when I recently had the opportunity to go rock-climbing, my answer was an enthusiastic “YES!”
Sure, I was a little less flexible than I was in my youth, my love for Arby’s hasn’t been good to me, and my new exercise regime remains on my “New Year’s Resolution 2010” list, but how hard could it be?
Our crew trekked through the beautiful wilderness of North Carolina until we arrived at our destination—a sheer cliff dropping several feet down. “Ok,” I thought, “So we’re skipping ‘Beginner’ and going straight to ‘Intermediate.’ I can handle this…”
My turn arrived, and I began my ascent up the rock. I could feel the strength seep from my limbs as I moved up the mountain one painful inch at a time, until I reached The Spot. The Spot was a section of the rock that nobody had successfully passed, and I was no different. I clung to the rock with every ounce of my remaining strength, limbs shaking, too weak to pull myself up any further. Sweat poured down my face as I bowed my head against the wall. And then I saw it…a giant spider.
With nowhere to run, I felt panic overtake me. My worst fear was slowly crawling towards my exhausted limbs. I was desperate to escape until I realized a sturdy rope held me secure. With renewed confidence, I channeled my energy into pulling up on the rope and unleashed a kick to make Chuck Norris burn with envy! The spider went flying and I breathed a sigh of relief. I didn’t make it to the top that day, but it was far from a failed attempt.
Do you ever find yourself in that position in life? I know I do. I feel as though I am barely hanging on; too afraid to quit but too weak to keep climbing. I cling to the rock in desperation as my fears seem to close in around me.
We have all been there, when life seems hopeless and we want to quit. Yet, when I am at my weakest God remains strong. When I feel like giving up, I feel that reassuring support wrapped around me, and I know I am not alone. Indeed, it is not my strength that keeps me on that rock at all, but His.
When you reach those moments in life where you don’t have the will to keep climbing, remember that God is your strength. You might not pass The Spot today, but if you lean on His strength, He will keep you from falling. And tomorrow may bring you even closer to the top!
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Mike Blackaby is 25 years old and is the college and young adult pastor at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, GA. Mike loves to play music, loves to snowboard, play hockey, and cheers for the Colorado Avalanche. He is terrified of spiders, but loves reading fantasy novels, watching movies, taking road trips, building camp fires, and will do any roller coaster if someone goes with him. You can contact him via Facebook.