“La-a-adies and gentlemen, welcome to the greatest show on earth,” shouted the ring master. Lights glowed around the big-top. The band struck up its music. Elephants, then lions, tigers were paraded around the ring in an impressive display of beauty and pageantry. A little more than a dozen Cub Scouts, some of their parents and a few friends were on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the show to come. For some, this was their very first circus.
Suddenly there was a loud drum roll. High up over the center ring a high-wire artist on a bicycle prepared for a “death-defying” ride…without a net. Attached to the bicycle was a wagon looking device that dangled beneath the wire. Any very young looking girl, maybe 11 or 12 years of age climbed inside the strange looking device. Frightened by the sight, the children covered their eyes peeking through finger slits while many adults simply looked down.
“Mr. Peterson,” some of the Scouts said, “Do you think that man can pull her across?”
I looked at their inquiring faces, “Sure do.”
Their eyes were nervously fixed on the pair at the top of the tent. “We mean do you REALLY believe that that guy can really do it?” they asked.
“You bet. I really do believe he can do it without dropping the girl,” I assured the unconvinced Scouts.
“But, but Mr. Peterson,” the Scouts asked. “Would you get up there in that thing?”
I was silenced by that question as I was completely surprised. Putting myself on the line was altogether different. And suddenly I understood. Faith was something more than words or a nice feeling. Faith is a daring act. Faith is getting on board in God’s vehicle not with blinders on, but with all that is revealed through Sacred Scripture and Jesus’ own words. So that those who believe, by faith, in God do not do so blindly or be led into unknown places in life.
Therefore, I freely lay into God’s hands all of my fears and uncertainties knowing that he will handle them to my salvation. So that me and God can reach the other side…safe and sound.
Read more articles by Stephen A. Peterson or search for articles on the same topic or others.
