Diane’s “Bungy Jump of Faith”
Kawarau Bridge, New Zealand
“Everything is possible for the person who has faith.” Mark 9:23b (GNT)
A Story by Timmy, Age 10
I just got back from science camp. The week was a lot of fun, but my favorite activity was called the Leap of Faith. First, the camp counselors helped me put on a harness that had ropes attached to keep me safe. Next, I climbed up a tree to reach a platform that was 50 feet above the ground. The counselors counted down 3-2-1, and then I jumped from the tree. The ropes kept me from falling down to the ground. I just hung there until they lowered me to safety.
They call it the Leap of Faith because you have to trust (have faith) that the ropes will keep you from crashing into the ground. I was nervous while climbing up the tree and really afraid to jump off the platform, but I knew the harness and ropes were there to protect me. Even though I was really scared, deep down I knew I was safe. When I first heard about the jump, I thought no way! But, I overcame my fear and decided to take the Leap of Faith. It was really fun!
Conversation Starters
- Are you afraid of heights, of snakes, or of the dark? What else causes you to be afraid?
- What calms you down when you feel frightened?
- Timmy overcame his fear and took the Leap of Faith. Next time you are afraid, say this quick prayer of faith: “Dear Jesus, I will not be afraid because I know you are always with me.”
An Adult Perspective
My husband, Chris, and I traveled to New Zealand and had the opportunity to bungy jump off the Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown. With a bungy cord tightly secured to our ankles, we stepped off a platform 134 feet high to free fall toward the river below. Just to get some perspective, that’s equivalent to jumping off the top of a 12 story building! Chris jumped after the first countdown. I’d like to say I did the same. After three countdowns, I finally stepped off the platform with my legs straight and my arms extended into a perfect swan dive. It was out of sheer terror that I held that pose because I was too frozen with fear to even move a muscle. Literally!
The view was breath taking. The jump exhilarating. It took two days for my heartbeat to return to normal!
I think bungy jumping is a little bit like having faith in God. When troubles hit or life becomes challenging, that’s when our faith is tested and our character has an opportunity to grow. We can either stand on the platform of life, or circumstances, paralyzed by fear; or we can take the bungy jump of faith and turn our problems over to Him in prayer. In 1st Peter, the bible says all kinds of trials happen to prove your faith. God is pleased when we respond in faith, but He doesn’t demand it. He wants the choice to be ours.
What challenge are you facing that seems overwhelming? What life circumstance is causing you to become weary? Take the bungy jump of faith and rely on the love of Christ to offer protection and strength. He will reward your faithfulness.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2a (NIV)
