Climbing Blind

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, 

the evidence of things not seen." 

Hebrews 11:1

Recently, I had the pleasure of chaperoning a teenager's retreat at a camp in Georgia. This wasn't any ordinary camping experience. The group of high school students I was traveling with were all in some ways legally blind and/or highly visually impaired. They are an outstanding group of young people who, on that weekend, gave me a new outlook on the idea of faith. You see, these kids were being challenged to do things outside of their comfort zone. With varying levels of sight, and some with none at all, they conquered things that some grown, sighted folks I know would run from. They went canoeing and participated in leadership building exercises. But there was one portion of the weekend that truly blew my mind. Many of them--limited/no sight and all--conquered a 30ft+ climbing wall!

They came back excitedly telling me of their varying levels of achievement. Some made it all the way up to ring the victory bell at the top and some simply conquered their fears and made it partially through. Either way, they came out victors and with a sincere witness of what it means to have a walk of faith.

As you climb through the rough terrain of your life, God has clearly called us to live a life similar to these young people--with varying levels of sight but with high levels of expectation to climb to higher heights at every turn. We must remember that faith is about what you CAN'T see and not what you can. And, in the end, you have to trust that you are anchored by the ultimate harness, Jesus Christ, and that God will constantly provide you with footholds as you keep moving in expectation to reach the end in victory. Today, you may not be able to see what's at the top. You may only be able to feel your way through one inch at a time, but KEEP CLIMBING even though you are climbing blind. For that's the stuff that real faith is made of.

Be encouraged!
--MinD


**Image Credit: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/blogs/chew-on-this/adventure-sports--an-antianxiety-prescription-20110124-1a2dc.html