“It seemed for us … to send chosen men … with Barnabus and Saul. Men that have hazarded their lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Acts 15:25,26 (KJV)
Going Out on a Limb
The idiom of “going out on the limb,” is generally understood as taking a risk, with the idea of climbing a tree and scurrying along a branch, getting closer and closer to the end. The further you get out on the limb, the shakier it gets. I know … I’ve climbed a lot of trees in my young days. Sometimes FAITH feels like this!
As a missionary, I’ve known many who have “hazarded their lives” for Christ, and for the gospel, and sometimes, I feel that my faith steps have been small, especially when I read the biographies of men and women who have sacrificed so much for the call and task of taking the message of Christ to the world. Still I realize that we are all called to take steps of faith and to go out on a limb with God in new and challenging ways.
Pursuing Rare Treasures
Many years ago, a group of European botanists were doing research in a remote part of the Alps. Their search was leading them to new varieties of flowers that grew only in the mountains, and on a certain day during their outings, they noticed a rare flower growing at the bottom of a deep ravine. To acquire a specimen of this nature, would be to collect a rare treasure.
The botantists immediately realized hoewever, that only way to get at it was to lower someone on a rope into the valley, upon which they discussed a plan about how to get down into the valley to gain their prize.
Watching all of these proceedings was a curious Swiss boy, and when the scientists noticed his slight size, the question was posed to the boy if he would be willing to get the flower. The plan was to tie a rope around his waist and the men would lower him to the floor of the ravine.
Looking down at the depth of the valley, the young boy paused and said, “Wait. I’ll be right back, ” and he quickly ran off returning with an older man.
The boy said to the scientists, “I’ll go over the cliff and get the flower for you but this man must hold the rope. He’s my father.”
Remember this … Any step or “risk” of faith venture undertaken in prayer in the Name of the Lord, with His leading and direction, means that God is with you. So I want to challenge you … Be bold and assertive in Christ, concerning the passion that moves your heart.
God is with you. He’ll help you to get the treasure and prize, and He won’t let go of the rope.
Charles Curtis, in Hong Kong
