About six years ago, when I first started lead climbing, my partner and I were climbing in Virginia, at Elizabeth Furnace. After some encouraging, I decided to try leading a nice little 5.8 that I had climbed on toprope a few times before.
As I made my way up the climb, I was more interested in the path of least resistance, rather than the location of my bolts. Suddenly I found myself a couple feet above my last bolt, and parallel with my next clip. Unfortunately, that bolt was several feet to my left, way out of reach. I looked down and saw my last clip far beneath my feet. Then I looked right and saw how far I needed to traverse in order to make my next clip. Instead of following the bolts, I had unwittingly strayed way off route in search of easy holds. As I glanced down at my nervous partner, the reality of my predicament set in. Suddenly my body began shaking and my breathing shallowed as I became paralyzed, too terrified to move.
You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. – Psalm 119:1-5 MSG
Have you ever suddenly looked up and found your life totally off route? Oftentimes that diversion is gradual. You may not even notice that you are off route until you are stuck, or in a mess. Have you ever asked yourself the question, “How did I end up here!?”
What happens when we find ourselves off route and in trouble? Is it too late to make things right? Is it possible to get your life back on course?
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. – Isaiah 41:13
The first step is to recognize that you are off route and acknowledged the need for a course correction. Sometimes that course correction is a simple life adjustment. Other times it can be difficult, and even a little painful. Whatever the consequence, getting back on track and making your life right with God is essential.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1John 1:9
So how did my perilous climb end? After standing on a tiny ledge for a few moments paralyzed in fear, I realized I had two options. I needed to get back on route, or take a knarly whipper, with a big swing and possible ground fall. Somehow I needed to get back on the route and clip myself into that bolt. I calmed myself, said a little prayer for help, and carefully traversed my way right, inch by inch. Finally, I reached the bolt, clipped in my draw, then my rope. This was of course followed by a big sigh of relief.
The key to getting back on route is to put your trust in God and surrender your life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior. This can be a frightening endeavor as you take that leap into the unknown, and risk a really bad whipper in the process.
Every time I am on lead, I remember that lesson from years ago. Once I clip my rope into a bolt, I never proceed any further until I know the next bolts location. In climbing, and in life, I make sure I know the direction I am headed. Rather than simply picking the easiest holds, I stay on route and trust that the Route Setter has chosen for me the best possible path, in order to reach the top.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: – Psalm 37:4-5