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Each day brings fresh possibilities and opportunities for us to trust God. As I think of what lies ahead today and in the upcoming new year, I’m reminded of a lesson God taught me years ago through a team building exercise called the Trust Fall…
Our arms were braided across each other’s, and our hands were locked tightly. As the young girl stood on the tall tree stump above us, she looked over her shoulder and saw with her eyes that our formation was tight… that we were ready for her. She heard with her ears that we would catch her… that we would not let her get hurt. Yet the fear that screamed in her head told her not to do it. Not to fall backwards.
Her legs shook and lips quivered. Other campers had gone before her. She and her cabinmates had successfully caught each one. But this camper hesitated – allowing the looming possibilities of failure and pain to paralyze her from action. The risks just seemed too great.
She trembled.
We encouraged.
She cried.
We encouraged.
Then, finally, with determination in her heart, she took the plunge. She fell straight backwards onto the safety net of our arms. We bent low to the ground giving way to her fall and caught her with cheers of excitement.
She did it!
As her trembling legs regained their confidence, she stood tall and beamed from ear to ear – realizing that she had faced her fear. Joy was felt from heart to heart as each of us rejoiced with her. Mission accomplished.
Early in the day, we had trekked across the campgrounds to the “Trust Fall station” as a group of counselors and campers who didn’t have a shared experience among us, an unconnected strand of strangers. Now our wooded team-building time had come to an end, and we left the trust fall station having bonded deeply as a group of new girlfriends prepared for a fresh journey of fun and adventure.
Each of us took turns at the trust fall that day. We all faced a set of scary circumstances and were forced to work through our doubts, tremblings and fears. As a result, we learned valuable lessons and strengthened our relationships.
Since my days of being a camp counselor, I’ve faced many scary life trust falls: financial trials, relationship strains, relocations, sickness, loss and difficult family matters. I’ve trembled and I’ve cried. I’ve been paralyzed by “what ifs” and “whys.”
We all go through difficult seasons and trials. Times when we want to see the invisible arms of the One who says He will catch us. Times when we’re afraid to fall into them.
Wherever you go and whatever you face, God is with you – yesterday, today and forever.
The Lord bids us to live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
He wants us to trust Him.
He catches us when we trust fall, when we live by faith. And to encourage us along the way, He spurs us on by sending a cloud of witnesses who testify of His faithfulness. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV).
Today, whether you identify with the shaky young camper on the trust fall stump or with the cabinmates who were filled with encouragement for another, God wants you to trust Him… right where you are.
It might be scary. Tears might be shed. But God is faithful and can be trusted.
Like the Psalmist, let’s choose to say, “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” (Psalm 56:3-4)
When we trust fall from our struggles into the faithful arms of God, we break free from fears that paralyze us. Trust Him today, friend. I’m cheering for you.
Dear Lord, You are good, loving and faithful – and You know exactly what I’m facing.
Please take this burden from me and help me to fall into a deeper place of trusting You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
What is God asking you to trust Him in or through right now?
Spend a few moments praying about it. Then write about it in your journal or leave a comment about what God is calling you to trust Him with.
Comments 7
Why is the podcast no longer being updated? I listened to them all and really miss it ❤️
Hi Gwen , This was very helpful, although I’m no longer working. I’m not sure how I did it all. Now that I am home doing two bible studies on zoom. Helping mom out with errands doing house hold duties . I and I have no children . I’m not sure how everyone else does it. I think it just never gets all done. And when you finish one week it is time to start all over again. I know God Has us and I am grateful he doesn’t expect us to be perfect. We have to take that leap of faith that he will catch us when we fall or fail. Thank God he is all forgiving when I don’t trust him enough and let my emotions take over . I Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year and May God ease your stress This Holiday season As with all of us. We just need to take a deep breath and say God you have all I can bare . Thank you and God Bless and Peace be with you .
This was so perfect fir today. I am facing a cancer screening test. Trusting fully in the Lord during this time has been my prayer daily. Pushing my stubborn will aside has been the challenge, BUT He has proven faithful in all things.
I needed this message this morning. After a decade helping my parents and finally finding work, the job ended due to an injury. More medical concerns have been added which makes it hard to find work. I will be out of money at the end of this month. The Lord is good, I know that but it doesn’t make it any less scary. I keep trusting that God will make a way where there seems to be none and in His timing.
This was so needed this morning. My dad is declining rapidly, and I’m having to trust in the only one that can get me through it. He’s in a memory care unit. He’s not eating, he’s so confused. It’s the saddest thing.
Hi Gwen , Im a new listener to your podcast . Thanks for opening my heart ❤️, and blessing me this morning with your message. I truly believe God is so good if we only trust him. Give all our concerns and prayers to him . Thank him daily for all the blessings he gives us .
God Bless you and your ministry. 🙏
I know the Lord doesn’t always take my burdens from me. He has however, walked beside me infusing me with comfort and grace, reminding me what He has said in His word. The struggle is real, but so is God.