THE LEAP OF FAITH Part 2 by Grace Ann

It was such a beautiful day today, not as hot as yesterday. I tried to have no preconceived idea about how God was going to work in me as I took on my fear of heights by doing a zip line tour through an Arkansas forest.  I went with the calm assurance that I was destined to do this. This, in itself, was a big step forward for me. I have always experience 'problems' with my calling, such as,  "Am I sure I do have a calling? If I do...when will I know what it is? How can I be assured that it is Him leading me this way?" I was looking for answers.

My first stop was to be equipped for the journey. I was asked to put on my helmet. Then one by one handed the other things I would need . I fastened the waist harness on, attached the leg straps , moved on to the breast harness and finally a small bungee cord to connect the two harnesses together. Lastly our guide attached ropes to the harnesses. I was ready for my adventure to begin. I experienced no fear, nor did I have any anxiety.

The leap of faith started as a journey down a winding path and me taking small steps due to the steepness. I had to be aware of every step I took, I dare not hurry for fear of risking going at a momentum that I could not stop.

This path led me to a solid rock where our first jump would take place. It was a very appropriate way to start out. As I stood on the ledge of the rock waiting to jump, I quietly asked, "Father go with me." I took a deep breathe and held it and jumped. I heard a small whimper venture out my throat on my first journey of flying through the trees. It was only seconds until I landed at the first platform. There would be eleven more zips to go.

After each landing our guide would readjust our ropes before the next flight. Some of our jumps were shorter and faster, some longer in duration. By the fourth jump I was concerned that up until this time I had not screamed. I just took each leap as it came. I gained more and more confidence with each one. Still no scream came forth. (see last weeks post)

I thought about Elijah when he was in a cave. He saw the mighty wind, the earthquake and finally the fire. He had looked for God in all of them. He had fully expected God would answer him in a big way. Yet God chose to answer him in a still small voice.

The thought came to me that maybe what God wants of me is a small faith that builds and grows with each new venture. The journey of faith, instead of a huge burst, is more about endurance and growing. I got very comfortable zipping through the trees and flying through the air. By the time we got to our last stop and they took my picture I was laughing. Did I scream, no. However on my last zip through I did give out a victory yell. Maybe for me, the scream did not need to come, maybe all I really needed was a victory yell.

When we finally got back on the ground, there was no doubt about it, my physical body had been stretched and pulled. And flying through the trees, spiritually I had also been pulled and stretched.
           

Gracie Flew!!  Happy Birthday Girl...it is a New Beginning!