A while ago, I had the opportunity to do some very basic rock climbing and learn a little about how it is done. One thing that was very evident to me was how important and reassuring it was to have a “belay” line. A belay line is used by rock climbers to prevent falling a long distance if they lose their grip or footing and fall. On a climbing wall the lines hang down from the top, and slack is taken up as the climber ascends. On a natural climb, the belay line is anchored and another stationary climber feeds out the line as the other climber ascends. If the climber slips, he/she can only fall as far as the last anchor point and the amount of slack the rope allows.

The simple climbing I did looked so easy from the ground. However, once 30 or 40 feet up, the knowledge that making a mistake would only result in a learning experience and maybe a scrape or two, rather than serious injury or death, made it a completely different experience.

In a similar way, this is what Paul is saying in Hebrews 13:5-6, he writes, “For God has said, “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.” That is why we can say without doubt or fear, “The Lord is my helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.”

If we can get the belief God will not fail us, built into our hearts and minds. We can proceed with confidence on the mission to which he calls us.

Dear Lord, Knowing that you will not fail them provides incredible power and strength to those who trust you. Help us all to have this faith and do your will even in the midst of our fears. In Jesus’ name. Amen.