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Cliff-Hanger By Jim Columbia When you reach the end of your rope, would you be willing to let go? This modern parable makes you stop and think.
erhaps you've heard the story of the mountain climber who was determined to reach the summit of a high mountain. After much preparation, he began his adventure. Desiring the glory for such an achievement, he went alone, not telling anyone of his plans. He began his final ascent as daylight faded in the western sky. As nightfall approached, he fought the feeling of being overcome by the encroaching darkness. Only a few yards from the summit, he slipped, falling off a rocky ledge at a frightful speed. During those anguished moments, his life passed before him. Thinking death was imminent, he felt his safety rope begin to tighten around his waist. Let go of the rope
"Of course, my Lord!" the man replied. Then God told him if he wanted to free himself all he had to do was to cut the rope. After long moments of silence, the man responded by tightening the rope around his waist. The following morning a local mountain rescue team arrived only to find the man dead. He had frozen to death, his hands wrapped firmly around a rope tied to his waist, hanging two feet above the ground. How tight is your rope How tight is our rope? How many of us would obey the voice of God and let go of our rope? God instructs us not to be afraid, but to trust His Word. "For I the Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you'"(Isaiah. 41:13). How many times have we asked God to rescue us or bless us physically, financially or spiritually while refusing to obey the instructions of God's Word? Sometimes it's hard to see how God is answering our desperate pleas for rescue. Faith is believing what God says, and acting on that belief. Thy will be done Many years ago, an 18-year-old boy was critically injured in an automobile accident. His mother prayed to God for his healing by praying for God's will to be done. Sadly, her son died from his injuries. God's will in this matter was painful and difficult to accept, but as time passed she learned to appreciate the power behind her prayer. Jesus Christ understood what it means to pray for God's will to be done. Just hours before His arrest Jesus knew He was to go through the most difficult time of His life. "He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, 'Oh My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will'" (Matthew 26:39). A few minutes later, when He prayed again, His prayer was a little different. "Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, 'O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done'" (verse 42).
He did not seek to change God's will, but was seeking confirmation of it in the midst of His fiery trial. Jesus now sits at the right hand of God as Savior of the world, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He yielded to His Father's will, thus setting us an example. Seeking God's will is the ultimate goal of every Christian. Recommended reading To learn more about this vital subject, why not download or order your free copy of . Copyright 2005 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
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Origin of article "Cliff-Hanger"
Keywords: God's will
God, obedience to: