Trust, the Hidden Teacher

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” 

Corrie ten Boom

Trust me, trust the process, trust yourself, put your trust in… all much easier said than done. I would rather know what is next or hold back and remain a bit skeptical, than jump off the ledge. Trusting God, the hidden teacher, requires a different approach.

Zip lining was on my bucket list. Well actually, I don’t really have a bucket list, but I thought it would be fun to do, so I dragged my husband along. The outfitters take this activity seriously. You must weigh a certain amount, not have any serious health issues, certainly not be pregnant, answer a bunch of questions, sign your life away on numerous digital documents, all before watching a safety video, listening to the instructor and getting fitted for a harness, a helmet and gloves. Phew, I was exhausted before I even started.

After I hiked up to the first Zip line platform and observed the drop off, I questioned my judgement on pursuing this pseudo-bucket list activity. After all the rigamarole of getting approved and suited up for this moment, I was too invested to back out. But, my mind kicked into high gear as I walked to the edge of the platform…what if the equipment fails? what if I fall? Oh my goodness, what if I die! This is crazy! What on earth was I thinking? Okay, okay, calm down, you can do this.

Leaving the ledge

Walking off the ledge will always be difficult. Who wants to leave the safety of what is known and comfortable. It is always easier to stay on the platform. It’s hard to grow if we aren’t willing to leave the ledge.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Trust brings blessings

“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.” Trust brings growth.

“It does not fear when heat comes;” Trust brings assurance. 

“Its leaves are always green.” Trust is a witness.

“It has no worries in a year of drought.” Trust brings peace

“And never fails to bear fruit.” Trust brings abundance.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Releasing ourselves into the arms of God and trusting him, brings forth so much more than remaining harnessed and tethered to a platform.

The trust of a saint

Dear Lord, I do not ask to see the path. In darkness, in anguish and in fear, I will hang on tightly to your hand, and I will close my eyes, so that you know how much trust I place in you, spouse of my soul – St. Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad.

Is the Lord asking you to trust more? Maybe it is hard to imagine what’s next, or perhaps there is no plan. Are there uncertainties you are facing or a path that is unclear? Trust Him for he has much to teach us. Perhaps, it is time to take Jesus’ hand, walk toward the ledge, close your eyes and jump. We won’t get anywhere if we don’t.