Written by Dr Susan Zakariah
Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.
As some of you may know, I’m terrified of heights! For a long time, I dealt with it in the easiest way possible: avoidance.
But not anymore.
Earlier this year our head of department organized a retreat, and the afternoon activity was zip-lining. I realized this might be my chance to confront my age-old fear. So I donned the protective gear and headed for the “induction.”
It took me a while to brace myself, but the practice line went better than I expected. Then again, my feet were never far from the ground and the line was very short.
Then came the real course.
The first line was fairly straightforward, so I completed it and moved on to the next. The second was a bicycle suspended on a rope, much higher up, and stretching far into the distance. I sat on the bicycle looked ahead, and then I looked down….. It hit me just how long and how high the line was… and I chickened out.
But I didn’t turn back completely. When I heard that I could skip that particular line and continue the course, I decided to proceed with the third line.
My colleagues who had gone ahead offered guidance on the best way to navigate the course and encouraged me when I considered giving up. As I moved on, I became more comfortable holding and adjusting the harness.
Then I came to an important realization: once the harness was properly connected and I held firmly to it, I was secure and safe—no matter how high or how far the line stretched.
Gradually, I began to enjoy the experience. My focus shifted from the height, the distance, and the possibility of falling, to the breathtaking view and the exhilarating feeling of gliding through the trees.
So much so that when I finished the course, I asked to attempt the line I had previously avoided.
Later, curious, I asked the instructor why the most difficult line was placed so early in the course. I was told it was intentional, that once someone overcame that line, it was obvious they could easily finish the rest.
In my case, the journey unfolded differently. Although I “failed” that line the first time, I still made it to the finish and eventually came back to face it.
Through this experience I was reminded of three lessons.
First, it helps to have people in your corner who will guide you and encourage you as you navigate the course of life.
Second, we are not all the same. Our journeys unfold differently. Some of us need time to find our footing, and that is okay. Do not be discouraged if you do not match the pace or achievements of others. Give yourself the grace and space to grow.
And finally, Christ is our firm foundation, our anchor. If we hold fast to Him, no matter how high or how far the storms of life may take us, we are secure, because He will never let us fall.
So that day, not only did I face my fear of heights, I was reminded of something far more important: when we hold tightly to Jesus, fear loses its power.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 2:17 NKJV
The heights may still be overwhelming,
The journey may still feel long.
But our safety is not in our strength
it is in the One who holds us fast
What fears are you avoiding today?
Perhaps it is time to stop standing at the edge and take the step forward.
Hold on to Jesus… and go.
