I’m Emily Werness and sometimes God speaks to us in ways we would never expect. For me, this past week, on our rest day, it was through a 165ft fall.
I went bungy (as they spell it here in Thailand) jumping for the first time! It’s hard to say what was the worst part – hanging upside down with all the blood rushing to my head, the green pond spinning below in circles while white spots danced behind my eyes or the moment right before the fall, when you know there’s no going back.
Let me walk you through what happened. They called us over one at a time to jump while the rest waited across the pond. They weigh you to determine which cord to strap to your legs, cut off the circulation to your ankle/lower leg and strap your feet together. Then, like a bunny you hop on over to the crane and into the lift that takes you up to the open sky – 165 feet up. The safety checks are performed and up you go! The guide laughs and tries to put you at ease, but then holds your gaze and implores you, “Don’t look down. Focus on the mountains and the view. Very beautiful.” The bird-like screech sounds, indicating you have reached the top. You stand, hop over to the ledge, your toes on the very edge, hands gripping the rails on both sides of you. At the top, gazing at the mountains covered in a hazy mist on the horizon, it feels like time stands still – it is such a beautiful and peaceful moment only broken by the guide’s countdown, “1, 2, 3, BUNGY!” On one, I took a deep breath. On two, I closed my eyes and spread my arms out wide. On three, I opened my eyes to get one last look at the majesty of the mountains before me. On bungy, I tipped my head down and let gravity do the rest – plunging, falling headfirst toward the water below, a scream mixed with adrenaline, fear, and giddiness bursting from my mouth. Unexpectedly, instead of stopping at the surface of the pond, I went in head first, emerging wet, surprised, but refreshed! I bounced back a few times and then the spinning went on for what felt like an eternity as I waited for the men to extend the long, thin bamboo pole to me so I could grab it and be pulled back in and put right side up again.
For me, Christ made himself evident all over this experience. Faith in Christ is a fall – a blind leap. You can see nothing but the ground below, or your life in front of you, trusting the cord will catch you, because you can’t see it when you are falling; it is just pure, complete faith that it will hold your weight. God Almighty, his Word are that cord. We study the Word, talk to God, and build this relationship with him – creating this direct line between us and Heaven through the blood of Jesus Christ. He has us no matter where we go or how far we fall. All we can do is step out onto that ledge and tip down in obedience and just trust. He will catch us. Sometimes he will dip us under the waters of strife, unrest, sickness, grief, pain, and struggle. It may feel like the submersion is too much – plugging our ears – we feel we aren’t hearing from the Father and he feels distant, but it is only for a time. He will pull us back up, (having never let go in the first place) refreshed, perhaps a bit shaken, but safe. There is such joy at the end of the fall – a feeling of peace and excitement at what just happened.
Daily. Daily is how often we need to fall. He desires our child-like faith and obedience. In all life’s moments, especially the ordinary, set your gaze on the horizon ahead, spread wide your arms, take a breath, and fall into Him. Fall in faith. He will always catch you – of that there is no doubt.
So, maybe it’s time to ask ourselves a few things:
-How long have I been stuck on that ledge – too scared or caught up to fall forward into what he has?
-Have I even gotten in the lift? Do I have the anchor of hope in my life?
-Maybe I have stepped off the ledge and fallen, but am I stuck at the bottom, hanging by myself, without ever grabbing His extended hand of grace to pull me upright again?
I’m Emily Werness and Father, thank you for your unconditional love and your promise to hold us and never let go.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” –Psalm 37:23-24
