Learning to go beyond our limits

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“Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 New American Standard Bible

Recently I took my children to the Grand Canyon.  I wanted them to experience what I did when I was a kid.  It turns out that going to the Grand Canyon as a child is very different from visiting there as a parent.

I enjoyed the tremendous beauty of the canyon, at the same time I experienced great terror.  I recognized that the level of my fear was irrational, yet I could not make my heart stop racing.  I did not want my children anywhere near the edge of that abyss. Since they were old enough and wise enough to remain safe without my helpful gasps of air I began to take pictures of other people going where I would not.  At the center this photograph one man walks right on the edge.

God frequently commands us to go places that we would rather not. Those places feel far too close to the edge.  He pushes us beyond our limits so that we learn to depend not on ourselves but on Him. He goes before us and makes our path then travels with us guiding us in the right direction.  The places we go are not necessarily safe.  God does not want us to stay away from the edge; instead He leads us as far as we are willing to go. We may break out in a sweat or feel our heart pounding wildly fast. We may question whether God  knows what He is doing.  Still, on the journey we experience exhilaration and triumph.  In the strength of God we accomplish what we never believed we could.

I’m sure the man on the edge of the canyon had a spectacular view. I am content with missing it. However, I never want to miss out on all the LORD has planned for my life journey.  I know He will not let me fall and I will always be amazed by what He shows me.

Photo and text copyright Richelle Hecker