Climbing Ladders and Building Faith

I hung up Christmas lights today.

Scared.

With Christmas lights in hand, I stood at the bottom of the ladder and looked up at the eve of the house. It’s for the boys, I coaxed myself.

By the fifth rung my extended ladder bounced like I was standing in a boat bobbing on the waves. I thought of the rock I wedged under one foot of the ladder to stabilize it before my climb. I hope it doesn’t slip off that rock. My knees began to quiver. I can’t do this. We will be fine without lights. I scurried down faster than a mouse after cheese.

With the solid ground below my feet my knees began to still. I looked back up the ladder. People do this all the time.

“Jesus, will I be safe?” I asked aloud.

“Yes.” I heard His still small voice.

Trusting Jesus gave me the courage I needed to climb the ladder again. In all honesty, I was still scared but trusting my Savior this time.

What if I fall?

Doubt tried to stir in my mind.

Well, it’s not that high so I probably won’t get hurt too bad.

I trusted that no matter what happened, I was going to be okay.

I hung all the lights I could within arm’s reach.

Once I was off the ladder, I wrestled it over a couple of feet and rested it back into place against the house.

Steady.

Additional relief rushed in from not needing the rock this time. This climb was easier. I was no longer scared.

Fear gave way to Faith.

I believe that The Lord uses all things to prepare us for the good works He has ordained in advance for us (Ephesians 2:10).

Even Christmas lights and wobbly ladders.

I learned today that I can do hard things, even when I’m scared.

In a far more intimate way, I relearned what the scripture means when it says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

It’s all about Faith in Christ, no matter the situation.

What about you friend? Where is God calling you to leave fear and step out in faith?