Challenges in the physical spur on growth in the spiritual. You’d be surprised at the correlation between the physical and the spiritual. I learned this after I jumped off that bridge. I overcame a physical challenge and in doing so, I gained the confidence and zeal to overcome all spiritual challenges I face. This is what happened:
So in case you aren’t aware, I went bungee jumping for the first time while here in South Africa. The company that I did this through is called Face Adrenaline and the bridge I jumped off of is called Bloukrans River Bridge. This just happens to be the tallest bridge in Africa and Face Adrenaline runs the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. You jump from 216m or about 738ft off the ground. Something to know about me: I hate heights. I really love rock climbing, but standing too close to the edge of a cliff or looking down after climbing a route higher than 35ft makes me legs feel like jelly. Needless to say, the idea of willingly jumping off a bridge that sits 738ft off the ground made me a little nervous. However, it was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced.
Let’s talk about how I got to the decision to go bungee jumping.
Matt and Cara had proposed the idea and began making plans earlier in the week. I told them I would make a decision and let them know. It had been about 5 or 6 days and I still wasn’t sure whether or not I wanted to go. Colt and I had just gotten back to the house after getting back from Mathatha where we dropped off one of our wonderful squad leaders, Molly Fae, at the bus station so she could get to her next location. As we approached the house, Matt and Cara were leaving to go to Steve’s, a local restaurant, and they told me they were going to book our tickets to go bungee jumping so they needed my answer. Since I hadn’t made a decision yet I went with them so I would have a little more time to think about it and so I could purchase my ticket if I decided to go through with it. When we arrived we sat down outside and this is when I began talking it through with the two of them. They could both tell how hesitant I was. Cara asked me a few questions and I came to realize that in my heart I deeply desired to embark on this adventure, but it was fear and doubt that were making me question it. I felt comfort in knowing that I did truly desire to go and that it wouldn’t be a waste of time or money. I was also determined to not let fear prevent me from pursuing what my heart desired. So, I said yes. Matt and Cara’s excitement to my decision was pretty entertaining. I was excited myself, but nervous was the more dominant feeling. After I said yes, Cara made me shake on it and without thinking twice we shook hands. It wasn’t until we let go that Cara proceeded to tell me that the purpose of them going to Steve’s was so that Matt could send a text message not to book our tickets. They just told me that to force me into making a decision. I’ve known for a while that I’m extremely indecisive most of the time, so it was actually relieving to finally come to a decision on the matter. This one event really sprung forth a strong desire to improve my decision making skills.
Fast forward through the 13 hours of traveling we did to get there, I found myself in a full body harness waiting to walk to the start of the bridge for a safety briefing. I had managed to shake off most of the nerves leading up to this point, but there was no distracting myself from what I was about to do. The briefing lasted no more than 3 minutes and my heart began beating harder and faster. We walked across a metal bridge suspended off the side of Bloukrans Bridge 738ft off the ground. It didn’t help my heart rate or my adrenaline levels that you could see through the floor of the bridge straight to the ground or the fact that the bridge was flexing and moving underneath of my feet as we walked. When we made it to the center of the bridge where we would jump from, one of the employees assisting us called out our numbers and checked our weights before listing the order we would jump in. When everything was in order, he began listing off our numbers. I was the second jumper listed out of 20 or so people in our group. We then proceeded forward to be prepped for our jump. As I stood there while they got all the safety equipment attached to me, I kept reminding myself of the 100% safety record they had. I also prayed…a lot! Since I was second to go, my turn came quickly. Your feet are tied together so two employees helped me waddle out to the ledge enough to let my toes hang over. I took some very deep breaths and looked straight ahead with my arms out to my sides. Then I heard it, “5…4…3…2…1…BUNGEE!” and without even thinking I squatted down and jumped out like I was doing a belly flop into a pool. Next thing I knew I was freefalling. The cold air was hitting my face and it looked like the ground was rushing up at me. The fall only felt like a few seconds before being snatched up by the bungee cord. As I dangled upside down, I felt God’s presence and sovereignty.
I didn’t expect bungee jumping to be such a spiritual experience, but Matt and Cara said they also had a similar experience. God reminded me of His sovereignty and protection. When it was over I knew I was in His hands the entire time. He also showed me that He is a God of freedom and He loves to set people free. That day He empowered me to overcome a fear that was holding me back from what my heart desired. The freedom I felt while freefalling was indescribable. The freedom I felt afterwards was empowering and everlasting. I was once afraid, but now I want more. “Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!” – John 8:36
So give God your “yes” and trust in Him to take care of you’re every need!
