The Tightrope

Depending on me may feel like walking on a tightrope, but there is a safety net underneath: the everlasting arms. So don't be afraid of falling. Instead, look ahead to me. I am always before you, beckoning you on- one step at a time. -Sarah Young

Interesting fact: I've told my parents since my freshman year in college that my fall-back plan is dropping out of college to join the circus. Please note that I hate stinky animals and I have a crazy fear of heights, so I'm totally not cut out for the job. I've always had a crazy dream of being an acrobat, though. They just seem so graceful as they fly through the sky to their untimely deaths.

I was reading in my devotional last night (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young) and the above sentences really stood out to me. I mean, so often this whole trusting God thing seems too hard. The economy is "too bad". The salary for ministry is "not enough". My classes seem "useless" when I'm going to end up working at McDonald's. But, I have to remember that God is always right there. He is one step ahead of me, guiding me along this path. I don't need to fear- or look down. I just need to keep my "eyes on the prize" and gaze heavenward. I just need to look straight ahead and look to Him for assistance.

Okay, so at the risk of sounding like a complete geek, this reminds me of some of my family's favorite TV shows- Ninja Warrior and Wipeout. While the two shows are different, the both focus on a common goal- get to the end of the course in the fixed amount of time without "wiping out". It is a challenge that is more difficult than first glance. The obstacles are quite difficult and a majority of contestants cannot even get through the first course. But, for the ones that are able to finish, they hold a high place of honor. The passage from my devotional is like these shows. Even when I am on an incline plane, bridge, or escape ladder (figuratively speaking, of course. I am so afraid of heights), I don't need to look down or look back. I don't need to keep looking back to what already happened or where I messed up in the past. I just need to keep my focus on God. I just need to focus on the end goal- to finish the race. Sometimes, like the contestants on these game shows, I may fall. But, I don't need to focus on this. My safety net will catch me. My God will scoop me up and put me back up on that rope. I don't need to fear falling or what "might happen", because God is right there ahead of me. He is telling me when and where to step. He is encouraging me. He is telling me not to give up, because it is going to be "so worth it" in the end.

[Note: Sunday Sparkle coming soon...probably tomorrow since I left my iPad charger at home and the pictures are all there.]