The ledge was very narrow—no more than a foot—and perhaps five feet long. The drop-off was straight down—perhaps several hundred feet.
The four of us hiking at Red River Gorge that day had two options, as the trail narrowed to this dilemma: 1) Navigate across the ledge and very quickly get back to where our vehicle was parked, or 2) Turn around and spend a couple of hours hiking the way we had come, circling back and upward to get to the car.
Guess who was more than willing to hike all the way back, rather than risk that ledge? Just me. I was out-voted.
Since I’m here to tell the story, you already know the outcome. We made it across just fine, although with great care. But it took awhile for my heart to calm down and the adrenaline to stop flowing. Even falling asleep that night was difficult. (Did you catch the pun there?!)
And now you know: I am not a risk-taker.
But there are some hazards worthy of embrace:
I want to live out my faith with courage.
Not just try. No, DARE.
With my shoulders back and my head up, I want to jump into the day, into the conversation, into the situation where God puts me.
I want to live in confidence.
Put into practice what I know: God is engineering the circumstances. He’ll guide me to do or say what’s needed.
But I have to be proactive and step out, speak up, and take the risk–get in there, and just do it!
I also want to live in joy.
This life with Jesus is full of blessing and delight! But who will know that if I’m stone-faced and focused on the negative?
My desire is to sail out into the world as a breath of fresh air, providing a glimpse of the good life that I enjoy with my God (Philippians 2:15, The Message).
My Jesus is SO worth the risk.
* * * * * * * * * *
Heavenly Father, I may need a push from behind to move me out of my comfort zone. But I know that even as you push, you will be supporting and leading. You will advise and encourage. So, with my face raised in anticipation, and my arms spread wide in expectation, I affirm: Here I am, Lord! Send me (Isaiah 6:8)!
(Photo credits: www.hikeky.com ; http://careergirlnetwork.com )
From the Inside Out 
Thanks for sharing…I can SO identify!
It’s comforting to know we’re not alone. Let’s jump together!
So timely a message for this pilgrim today! ❤ G
Hallelujah for God’s timing!
Nancy, thank you for that most inspiring message. It is soooooooo you!
Thank you for that reassurance, Ruth. I do want to be true to myself–no pretending to be someone I’m not! And thanks be to God you found the message inspiring!
I just love this! I hate heights so would have hiked down with you but then you wouldn’t have had this great illustration. I love the thought of leaping into God’s arms. Most of life seems though not giant leaps but small steps while blind and not knowing where the next step leads. I cling to Jesus’ hand and take one step at a time.
Love the prayer at the end too!
I’m sorry it took me so long to respond to your comment, Jean. Somehow I missed this one! You’re right–life includes many small steps. Praise God he makes our steps firm and upholds us with his hand (Psalm 37:23-24)!
This brings back the memory when I drove my daughter to her friend’s house and the only way to get there was a narrow road and a large cliff on each side. Needless to say after I arrived at the house,I could not turn around to get back to the main road. I was petrified driving in reverse to get back on the main road. I made it with the grace of God. My daughter never asked to go visit there again. Her friend came to see us. God has gotten us all through so many narrow paths, and I thank Him for His safety. Thanks again Nancy. God bless you.
Yikes! Driving backwards down a narrow road sounds even worse than that narrow trail at Red River Gorge! Our Heavenly Father does get us through many narrow paths through our lifetimes–praise God!
So wonderful… I especially loved the prayer, too. We as Christ’s children can DARE to take a leap of faith with FULL confidence that he will see us through, loving, protecting, guiding. So precious a truth!
Thank you, Cheri. What a precious gift you’ve highlighted in your comment: the FULL confidence we have in our God to see us through. Hallelujah!