How many of you are worriers? Not warriors, but worriers? I have to admit, worrying is something I have always struggled with. Being brave and courageous is not something that not comes natural.
When it comes to lead climbing, the fear of falling can make even the easiest climbs feel impossible. In the beginning, I struggled up 5.6s and 5.7s as if they were the hardest climbs in the world. On toprope, I could practically run up the route. I also noticed that while on lead, I was not willing to take the risks and just go for the hard moves. On toprope I would try that dyno or grasp onto that tiny hold, which had no business working as well as it did. On toprope, I was fearless and willing to take risks. I knew the consequences of failure were minimal.
What about taking risks when it really counts? What about making that bold move when the consequences could hurt?
In our daily lives, what kind of risks are you willing to take? What is it that you worry about? …Relationships? …Finances? …Your Job? ….The future? …All of the above, and more?
God calls us not to worry, and to trust in Him daily. Like I said, worrying is a struggle for me. As I look back on my life, I see all the wasted energy and missed opportunities due to fear and worrying. I also see all that God did in those circumstances, and how in every difficult experience, He always had my life in his hands. While I felt out of control, God was working everything out for my good.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – Psalms 46:1
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
God calls us to be bold and courageous in the face of our trials. He calls us to take risks and go for that dyno. He wants us to step out in faith, follow Him and His Word, no matter the circumstances. When we live in this way, we can know He is there, holding us in His hands, and lovingly guiding us towards His very best for our lives.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Hopefully, a week from now, I will be finishing up rehab, and start training and climbing again. After six months of being shut down with illnesses, injuries, and setbacks, worrying and fear keep trying to creep in. There’s this little voice telling me, “at 48 do you really think you can start over?”
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
Then think about those two projects, way beyond my abilities in the past, that I want to conquer this summer. I also think about my shiny new trad gear just waiting to be scratched up and thoroughly used. I then answer that voice with a yes. I can start over at 48. The road ahead will be incredibly difficult, but in God’s strength, I can work hard, take risks and go for those iffy moves. I may even fall and get banged up a little in the process. God does not promise us an easy, painless cakewalk on the way to success. He does promise to walk beside us on the journey as we take risks, step out in faith, and bravely go for it.
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26