As I wobbly stood on a thin eight inch wide, two-foot-long plank of wood, holding on for dear life to a wire above my head, I called out to God, “What have I done Lord? What was I thinking coming to a ropes course with my family?” Fear gripped me as I looked at the ground forty feet below. I had no feeling of security from the straps that connected me to the cable above. I looked out and saw my daughter two stations ahead wildly leaping from one plank to the next, not even holding onto the cable above. Suddenly, the plank tipped, and her body flew out into the air, only to be abruptly caught by the safety straps attached to the cable. With utter ecstasy, her scream turned to joyful laughter from the daring experience. As my mind was brought back to my own precarious situation, I looked ahead to see another thirty yards of planks I must conquer to get to the next platform. Immediately, a song popped into my head. “God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see; He will make a way for me. He will be my guide. Hold me closely to His side. With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way, He will make a way.”
Peace swept over me. While forging forward, one plank at a time, singing and focusing on the words of the song, I was suddenly interrupted by the Holy Spirit. “Sue, you have felt so overwhelmed by the new challenges in your ministry. I am calling you to learn many new skills and it is not easy for you. But keep your focus on Me. I will make a way, where there seems to be no way. You will get over these hurdles and get to the next platform and many will be blessed as a result. Don’t give up. Press on.” Amazingly, by the strength and courage of the Lord, I got through the two and a half hour ropes course without falling or giving up.
In 1 Kings 17:7-16, we see another woman in a frightening, precarious situation. The widow of Zarephath had no food for herself or her son. She was in danger of starvation due to a draught. Elijah believed God for a miracle and called the woman to not fear but trust in God. “For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.’ She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food everyday for Elijah and for the woman and her son.”
Give God your fears. Focus on Him and His power and faithfulness, not on the challenges you are facing. He has you harnessed in and is your safety net if you slip. He will give you the strength to get through each new challenge one step at a time. God will make a way where there seems to be no way!
-Sue Corl