The Rope

There's a story that tells of a man who wanted to climb the highest mountain. He began his adventure after many years of preparation but since he wanted all the glory for himself, he climbed the mountain alone.

The night fell heavy in the heights of the mountain and the man could not see anything in the darkness. Even the moon and stars, covered by clouds, gave no light. All was black. The man continued to climb.

He was only a few feet from the top of the mountain when he slipped and fell. As he descended at great speed he could see only blackness and he knew fear. It was at this point that events from his life came to mind, both good and bad. He knew he must be close to the bottom and death when suddenly the rope tied around his waist pulled hard.

He was suspended by the rope but no longer falling, just hanging there. In that moment of stillness, he did the only thing he could, he cried out to God..."Help me!" Suddenly a deep voice came from the sky and asked "What do you want me to do?" The man answered, "Save me God!" God asked, "Do you really think I can save you?" "Of course I believe you can!" replied the man. "Then cut the rope" answered God.

There was a moment of silence and the man decided to hold on to the rope with all his strength. The story goes that the rescue team found the man the next day. Hanging from his rope, frozen to death. Only 10 feet from the ground.

We are all guilty of hanging on to our own rope instead of trusting God and cutting it. In our weakness, we believe in our own strength. By trusting in ourselves instead of God, we limit His power in our lives. We can't do much, if anything, about our past decisions but in the future, reach out and cut the rope.