Let me start by saying that heights and I are not friends.
So, naturally, I found myself standing at the top of a 40-foot rappelling tower, questioning my life choices. Could I step out in faith? This was my fifth summer attending JROTC Adventure camp. I was supposed to be modeling courage and the willingness to try new things for the students I was chaperoning. But honestly, I was just trying not to cry or throw up. The instructor motioned for me to step backward off the platform. The teens below were cheering me on while I was frantically praying, “Dear Lord, please help me.”
And then the thought hit me: What was I thinking stepping outside of this strong tower?!
Inside the Tower Felt Safe
I mean, there I stood on the edge of a solid structure, clinging to a single rope, trying to muster enough nerve to “sit back” and walk my feet down its outside wall. Was I crazy!?
Inside the tower, I felt fine. There was structure and shade. There was flooring. But outside, there was risk; I felt exposed and vulnerable. Yet, that’s where I was called to go.
Proverbs 18:10 came alive to me in a new way. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.” God is our Strong Tower, our place of protection, peace, and provision. Even though I had stepped outside the physical tower, I wasn’t outside of God’s care. I was still tethered to the tower and, more importantly, to Him.
When God Leads Us Beyond Our Comfort Zone
That rappelling experience turned into a sobering object lesson. Sometimes, God asks us to step outside our comfort zone. It might feel like we’ve left the safety of the tower, but if He’s the one leading us, we’re still anchored to Him.
While fighting my fear of heights, I heard the instructor call out to me, “Belay on.” This is the signal that he was ready and holding the rope. My job? Trust him and step backward.
Trust the Belay: When God Says “Lean Back”
That’s what walking in faith often looks like. The platform feels secure. The edge feels terrifying. But if God says, “Belay on,” we can lean back and trust Him to guide every inch of our journey.
Don’t Step Without Staying Anchored
Here’s the catch: The rope system only works if I’m clipped in. The instructor only controls the descent if I stay tethered. If I had walked off the platform without being anchored, the ending would’ve been very different and not in a good way.
The same applies to life.
If I step outside of God’s will, it’s like walking off the edge without being attached to the safety line. That’s not bold faith, that’s dangerous presumption. Deuteronomy 5:32–33 tells us, “You are to be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or the left. Follow the whole instruction the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live…”
When I move in obedience to God’s leading, I’m safe even when I’m scared. But when I run ahead or wander away, I’ve disconnected from the Source of security.
That’s why my prayer before any big leap is: “Lord, if this isn’t Your will, pull me back in. If it is, I’ll sit back and trust You all the way.”
Anchored Faith Isn’t Boring; It’s Bold
I’ve heard people say that being a Christian is boring. Let me tell you: if you’re walking in obedience to the Lord, life will take you right to the edge. Not for thrill’s sake but to build your trust, stretch your faith, and show you how steady His grip is when everything else feels shaky. “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble” Psalm 46:1. He doesn’t call us to a fear-free life. He calls us to a faith-anchored one. One where the rope holds, where His voice steadies our feet, and His presence goes with us wherever we go. He has commanded us to be strong and courageous, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
With Every Step, God is Holding You
I didn’t make it down that wall because I wasn’t afraid. I made it down because I trusted the One who was holding me. Not just the instructor, but God Himself. And yes, I whispered His name the whole way down. (Okay, maybe it was more like a panicked chant.) I faced a fear and lived to write about it. But here’s the real takeaway:
I don’t need ropes or towers to validate my courage or prove God’s power. What I need is a heart that listens for His voice, a life that stays tethered to His will, and a faith that leans back and says, “I trust You.”
Final Thoughts
So yes, I rappelled down a 40-foot wall while terrified of heights. And no, I never want to do it again. But each time God asks me to step outside of my comfort zone, I’ll remember that tower. I’ll take a deep breath, whisper His name, and sit back because I know I’m still tethered to Him.
“Lord, thank you for being my strong tower; You protect me from danger. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7
Challenge This Week: Trust the Strong Tower
Identify your personal “tower edge.” Ask: Where is God calling me to step out in faith right now? It might be in relationships, ministry, career, or a personal habit. Write it down. Pray for the courage to act, even if it’s just in small steps. Remember, you’re tethered to Him.
Memorize your belay line. Choose a verse from this devotional, like Proverbs 18:10 or Psalm 32:7. Speak it aloud when fear tries to grip you. Let God’s Word hold you steady.
Share your story. In the comments below, tell us about your “Tower Moment.” When did God call you beyond your comfort zone, and how did you see Him at work?
Remember, God is our strong tower; Stay tethered to Him.
