Bungee Cords & Trust Falls

It's easy to be brave when the bungee cord isn't attached to your feet. I've probably misquoted, but it was something along those lines.

It's really pretty true. When you're not standing on the edge of here and who-knows-what, you can offer some pretty sound enouragement. But the point is you're not standing on the edge of here and who-knows-what. You're not wondering what might happen if you dare open the door (or window, or wall, whatever) separating you from the unexpected. Or the what-you-think-you-should-expect. Encouragement is always appreciated (or should be, in any case) by those standing at the door, full of hesitation, but when you encourage someone in that position, remember, it's easy to be brave when you're secure. Honestly, it's possible to be brave when you are bungee'd in. It's when you're approaching the ledge with the wind blowing and your heart pounding, that it's difficult to muster any sort of bravery.

Those of us who know God know that while he'll let you free-fall, he won't let you fall out of his reach. Those of us who really know God know that though we have the assurance that we cannot fall beyond his reach, that does not mean we will be spared from confusion, pain, or even death.

But it's not always the death that's scary. Often, death is the least of all worries. It's the confusion, pain, and frustration that are scary. Why else would there be such hesitation before entering the supposed unknown? We know that God knows. We know that he's got it all figured out. Yet we worry? Yet we hem and haw and question and wonder "Now, God? Now? How about now? When do you want me to jump? When? Are you sure you're going to catch me? I mean are you watching carefully?" Someone once asked me if I thought God's silence when it comes to jumping might be his way of asking me if I am willing to trust him and take the risk. I thought that sounded good. Do I take risks often enough? No. I hem and I haw and I ask and I poke and I prod and I delay, and while perhaps delay is necessary....I don't have faith. I don't trust or believe that God is actually in control. The prospect of pain - pain that I know God is capable of handling - is always too much.

So when is faith going to be enough? It's like the ultimate trust-fall exercise....except we're guaranteed that he won't let us fall further than he can go. And yet, we're more willing to trust-fall into the world than into Him. At least I am. It's not like I'm saying that with pride.
And it's not like I'm saying I don't like the unexpected. I do. It's the faith thing I have trouble with. The unexpected can be nice. Birthday parties can be unexpected, so can babies...and they're both nice. Car accidents and falling from cliffs can be unexpected as well. Neither of them are very nice.

Yet through it all, there's that constant whisper. Can you hear it? "Trust Me." That's about it. Was it in your head? Or did you really hear it? I think I did. And I think I'm scared to trust just the same.

But it's not like we're finished products, so there's time and hope for us yet.