“You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect. He makes me as sure footed as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; He strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.” – Psalm 18:28-34
Last Saturday team Bold Radiance decided we would attempt to accomplish one of our monthly goals as a team – overcome a fear!!
We took the day to go on an adventure deep in the heart of the Andes Mountains called the Vertical Route.
After a few delays on the mountain pass, two hours driving in a minibus, and 30-45 minutes traversing on Death Road (google —> images for Death Road if you so dare!), we reached our destination.
The route was somewhat of a challenge course and consisted of five activities: rappelling twice, crossing a Tibetan bridge (think slack lining….or for those not accustomed to new age lingo…tight rope walking!), scaling/climbing/traversing a few rock faces, zip lining, and the ultimate test – the rope swing.
Me and Bella!
We decided the rope swing was a baby step to bungee jumping but nonetheless, it was still terrifying and the scariest task to complete for me.
We each got to jump twice. The first one I did backwards which produced a very high pitched shriek from my clenched jaw as soon as my feet left the edge.
About to jump backwards….eeeehhhh!!!!
I didn’t realize how different the second jump would be until they attached the line and ropes to my back since I would be jumping forward. As I approached the edge of the rock, I realized there was no security blanket for me.
When I jumped backwards, I was able to hang onto the rope which was attached to the front of me on the harness.
The second time there was nothing to hang onto. I couldn’t even see the rope attached to me. I was simply looking straight off the cliff into the chasm of jungle below.
Thankfully I had mentally prepared enough to know not to think. With the encouragement of my team watching from the side lines and on their enthusiastic count of three, I spread my arms and jumped. Even though the drop technically wasn’t that far, it seemed like an eternity.
Lizzie on the rope swing!!
Swinging in the open air, looking down over the fear I had just conquered, I could do nothing but smile.
It wasn’t until later that I realized how symbolic that jump was for me this year.
I gained an understanding of how God arms me with strength in every area of my life…enabling me to stand on mountain heights whether real or figurative, giving me courage to scale any wall of adversity, making me sure footed to walk confidently in Him, and training me in battle to fight for His Kingdom.
Completing the first climb
Not only that, but He also revealed to me that the courageous fear conqueror who jumped with arms wide open, fully trusting in the safety that would catch me even when I couldn’t see it, is the type of follower He wants me to be this year.
To be all out for Him and whatever it is He asks of me.
Amidst my crippling fear…..to jump without hesitation.
Amidst my desire for a security blanket to hold onto….to jump, knowing He is my protection.
Amidst my doubts….to jump, fully trusting that it will be worth it.
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!!” – Romans 8:37
Showing that we conquered our fears for month number 1!!
