Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Several years ago, John and I planned a photography vacation to Page, Arizona, SPECIFICALLY so he could take some breathtaking pictures of the scenery.
We toured the north and south rim of the Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, Antelope Canyon and other beautiful sites. We took a slow, peaceful rafting trip down the Colorado River that was like laying in a hammock on a cool fall day – oh, so relaxing!
Horseshoe Bend was the one photo John really, really wanted to take. It was a ¾ mile hike over a hot, arid, trail of sand. The temperature was above 100 degrees, and the overlook is 4,200 feet above sea level, making it a tough hike for these two South Louisiana tourists!
At the end of the trail, the overlook had a guardrail so you could safely see the breathtaking view of the Colorado River 1000 feet below. There was also an area of the cliff with no guardrails, and huge rocks to climb on to get an even better view of the river. It was a sheer drop straight down! Having a fear of heights, I stayed away from this area, but John wanted to climb on the rocks, hang over the edge and get the best picture of Horseshoe Bend. I begged him not to do it.
There was a young Asian couple on the cliff top with obviously the same problem. With camera in hand, he wanted to walk to the edge of the cliff. She was in distress at this!
In a shrill voice, full of fear, she told her husband:
“それをしないでください！端に行かないでください！あなたが落ちる可能性が！私は未亡人になる！私はあなたがあなたの保険を支払っていることを望みます！”
I looked John dead in the eye, pointed to the young woman and said “YEAH, what SHE said!”
Loosely translated, I’m pretty sure she was saying “DON’T DO IT! Please don’t go to the edge! You could fall! I would be a widow! I hope you have your insurance paid up!”
John didn’t listen to me. He walked around the bend, out of my sight, up the rocks and stood on the edge of the cliff (with no guardrails!) and took the most stunning picture of Horseshoe Bend.
Sometimes you have to stand at the edge of the cliff to get the great shot.
And so it is with my faith walk. I’m scared to go to the edge of the cliff. I’m afraid to fall on my face while the world watches. I’m afraid God won’t come through for me – ordinary me.
And yet, when I step out in faith and obedience, God ALWAYS provides. EVERY TIME I have stepped out of my comfort zone for Him, my Heavenly Father has been there for me!
And I’m finding, the more I get out of my comfort zone and walk by faith to the edge of the cliff, the more I will see God’s beautiful picture of love and faithfulness as He equips me to do His will and His work. But I have to take that first step! And when I do, He will provide all that is needed!
What faith step do you need to take? Are you standing boldly at the edge of the cliff?
God in heaven, Creator of heaven and earth, I want to have that “edge of the cliff” faith to step out in obedience and follow You! I know that my ways are not Your ways, and that Your way is THE way. I thank You for Your faithfulness in equipping me to do things I could not do on my own. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Beautiful message and pictures! Thank you!
Thank you! John is my “official” blog photographer!
Ellen, God is so faithful to us when we say yes and we step out knowing that our heavenly Father is cheering us on. Keep up the good work. I have been enjoying
your reading your blog. It is really uplifting. Oh! my the way, you need to give your photographer a raise. He is fantastic! Love, Beth
Yes, my photographer is wonderful!!
Thank you my friend!
Well written my friend, I believe you are gifted in the talents of composing words into a word picture of sorts. Maybe this gift will become a full time obession in your retirement years in order to keep you afloat should our silly government fail us :-). Keep sharing , love ya
Well, you know – it all started with you: “Ellen, I need a word right here, help me out…” 🙂
Girl, girl, girl!! What words can I use to convey the feeling I have after reading this? You made me laugh (as you always do) and want to cry at the beauty of the message you conveyed and at the beautiful splendor of John’s pictures!! God will most assuredly bless you in this venture, as you sharing this blesses those of us who read it!! Well done!!! Cheerio, hip hip, and all those good things!!! Love you Elle Belle!!
Ellen, you make me laugh– and think! So glad I stopped by from the “Tell Me A Story” Link up! 🙂 Blessings.
Sharita, thank you for your kind comment and for stopping by!
I think Peter must have wondered if the water would hold up his body when Jesus told him to come – – We too must believe that the edges of life will give us a beautiful shot of glory. Your hubby’s photos are wonderful, and your words encouraging! Thank you for sharing with us here at “Tell Me a True Story.” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Hazel, thank you for your kind comment! I must apologize, I thought I had added your button to my blog, but have not – I am technically challenged! I’m still learning this whole blog business! I do so enjoy your site and reading all the stories! Thank you!
wow! spectacular! Boy, you have no idea how this post ministered to me. I’ve been battling this idea because of fear. I want to hike the NJ section of the Appalachian Trail (I live in NJ) but I thought, “I’ll just do day hikes.” Problem is, some of those hikes take miles just to get to the AT, so The Hubster and I decided that the only way to really do this (73 miles) is to take a week and hike/camp. I’ve been saying, “Oh, I hate camping.” But the truth is, I’m afraid. Afraid of the creatures of the night. I can deal with all the other stuff..but Hubster is unafraid, so God is now dealing with me regarding the fear (and the lies that I’m using to get out of it…even though I really want to do it…) Thanks for the great post!!!
Your new site is gorgeous! And, I love this post. “Sometimes you have to stand at the edge of the cliff to get the great shot.” Girl, I don’t like to get to the edge very often. Thanks for reminding me to get a little closer.
Love, love, love!
Thanks, friend! Glad you stopped by!
Thank you Wanda! Appreciate you!