I had heard about Walk the Wire for weeks. I was undecided about watching Nik Wallenda walk across Niagara Falls on a tight rope. It sounded interesting, but I could not understand why anyone would want to watch a man fall to his death. Then again, a bowl of popcorn and M&M’s along with a couple hours of free entertainment seemed like a nice way to end a busy week. I decided to watch all the hype leading up to the main event and then turn it off. I still didn’t have the desire to watch a man die.
I tweeted and pinned while half watching the show. A prevalent question on twitter Friday night was why anyone would want to pull a stunt like walking the wire. There was so much talk about Wallenda’s family and his need to carry on tradition. They spoke mostly of his grandfather’s death. The media was making the most of the sensational.
Just when I was ready to hit the power button, I noticed him praying with his family. “That’s nice,” I thought. The newscaster asked what was keeping him so calm. I nearly dropped my popcorn when Wallenda said, “The righteousness of God and Christ keeps me calm.” I sat straight up! “Whoa! Did you hear that?” I completely forgot the power button. The next twenty-five minutes were amazing.
Photo Credit: dpape
Wallenda’s head set was programed to only hear his dad who was coaching him. We could hear everything; Wallenda, his dad, and the media. Over and over, even while his dad coached him, Wallenda praised the name of Jesus. His entire walk, other than the few minutes spent answering questions from the media, was spent in prayer.
The media repeatedly covered his words with their own frightening talk, but Wallenda could not hear it. They pointed out his focus, asking themselves where it came from. The media completely ignored his faith!
When Wallenda completed his walk across Niagara Falls, he praised God. He was asked how he did it and he answered, “A lot of prayer.” He also mentioned determination and preparation, encouraging others to pursue their dreams. He spoke of his own dream and said that every step of the way, he asked God to open doors. With a great big smile, he exhorted all who watched to never give up on their dreams.
I have been thinking about this event continuously for almost a week. It inspired me and illustrated so much truth.
Millions of people heard the name of Jesus praised on Friday night and they saw someone accomplish an amazing feat while doing it. That. Is. Exciting.
Wallenda did not claim that his stunt was proof of his faith. When asked why he did it, he never said that God told him to. Never did I get the impression that this was a test of his faith or even a test of God. He hoped that God would open doors and thanked him when he did. He recognized God’s power and did not bring glory to himself.
The most important thing I saw in Wallenda’s walk was his focus. What the media could not comprehend spoke great truth to me. This is so important. I really want you to get this.
Why was Nik Wallenda able to walk across Niagara Falls?
- He did not listen to outside voices.
- He focused on Jesus, praising his name.
- He found calm in the righteousness of God and Christ.
- He only listened to his father.
THIS. This is a lesson I will cling to. We all have wires to walk, roaring waters to get across. Raising children, writing a book, and healing from abuse are just a few things that often seem like raging waters. Focused on Jesus and listening to the Father, I know I can walk through them. . . even if it feels like I’m walking on a three inch wire. By the grace of God, I will do it!
What are your dreams? What is your Niagara Falls?
Will you stop listening to other voices so you can focus on Jesus and listen to the Father?
***Please remember to stop by Turquoise Gates and read Part 2 of my guest post in the Shunning series.
This post was written for:
Also linked to: Thought-Provoking Thursday, Life in Bloom, and Thoughtful Thursday.
