Have you ever watched someone rock climb? I recently had the opportunity to participate in such an adventure -  a group trip to climb a rock wall. Although I have seen these walls and climbers on television, I had never seen one in person. I never knew it was such an involved team effort. Not being athletically inclined, I didn't get very far up the wall. However, the adventure still had a profound spiritual impact on me.
Since all those trying to climb were novices, a team of three people held to one end of the rope while the climber struggled to find the easiest hand and foot holds. Each time the climber took a step, the team holding the rope on the ground took a step back so there would be no slack in case the climber fell. There was one particular young woman who was extremely nervous as she contemplated the monumental task of climbing this wall. She was unsure of herself and afraid of falling. However, she took a deep breath and began to climb. She took that first step … and a second … and a third. All the while, the team holding the ropes shouted their encouragements. Soon, the young woman who had been so afraid of falling, reached the top of the wall, an achievement she did not imagine obtaining when she began her climb. Slowly, her team took steps forward to lower her to solid ground from the dizzying height of the wall, keeping her safely from falling.
As Christians, we often face monstrous rock walls and mountains. At first glance of what we must endure, we become afraid - of failure, of falling, or of ourselves. We think we cannot possibly endure this trial. However, Jesus whispers to us that He is holding the rope; all we have to do is climb and trust Him. One step at a time, we climb that wall. All the while, Jesus holds the rope, encouraging us to continue so we can know the exhilaration of reaching a goal we thought was impossible. He knows how to hold the rope so we do not fall, warning us when we begin climbing in a direction that will be much more difficult. He sees the whole wall, not just individual rocks that impede our progress. When we listen to His coaching, we find our path more easily, and we feel the euphoria of knowing we made it to the top.  “With God all things are possible” (Matt 19:26), even climbing a mountain.
(A very special thanks to New Frontiers and Leadership DeKalb Class of 2012.)