When You Reach the End of Your Rope, Just Let Go.

By Gobel Brockman


19th century author Hannah Whitall Smith wrote this more than 100 years ago, but the lesson it conveys is still applicable today:

     "A man was obliged to descend into a deep well by sliding down a fixed rope which was supposed to be of ample length. But to his dismay he came to the end of it before his feet had touched the bottom. He had not the strength to climb up again, and to let go and drop seemed to him but to be dashed to pieces in the depths below. He held on until his strength was utterly exhausted, and then dropped, as he thought, to his death. He fell - just three inches - and found himself safe on the rock bottom."

     "Are you afraid to take this step? Does it seem too sudden, too much like a leap in the dark? Do you not know that the step of faith always falls on the seeming void, but finds the rock beneath? If ever you are to enter this glorious land, flowing with milk and honey, you must sooner or later step into the brimming waters, for there is no other path; and to do it now may save you months and even years of disappointment and grief."

It's not a newsflash to anyone that we are entering into increasingly difficult times. It has now become almost seemingly impossible to turn on the news without hearing of another terrorist attack or mass shooting. People are cautious and in many cases downright fearful as they see these events transpire. The only thing certain in this world right now is that nothing seems to be certain. Tragically, this doubt and uncertainty has even affected some in the body of Christ. In many cases it seems that some Christians are just as concerned, nervous, and even fearful as those are who have no hope in Christ. That saddens me - greatly. And it must change. People who are looking for hope won't find it in people who are just as hopeless as they are.

The writer of the book of Hebrews wrote this oft-quoted verse:

     "And without faith it is impossible to please God; for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

I understand that these are difficult times. I also understand that they're just going to get worse as the end approaches. After all, Jesus gave us about 2,000 years advance notice that what we're seeing today was coming. (Read Matthew 24.) But I remind all who read this who claim the name of Jesus Christ as their Savior that there is no need to fear. Our lives are in His hands, and whether we live or die, we belong to Him. Simply put, we win either way. But the point that I want to make today is this: fear is a choice, and I absolutely refuse to live in fear. I WILL NOT do it. Even in those times when I feel like I'm at the end of my rope, I don't want to simply tie a knot and hang on - if necessary, I want the faith to let go and trust God with the landing. He's never failed me yet, and He's not going to start now. And His love for you is just as strong. Whether it is the horrible stories that we hear in the news or the continual battles that we face in our day-to-day lives, nothing happens to us that catches God off-guard. He's got this - because He's got you.

If you're at the end of your rope right now, I'm not going to tell you to tie a knot and hang on. I'm going to tell you to not rely on your own strength. Just let go and have faith that God will be there for the landing. It's that kind of faith that pleases God.