The Trapeze Act

In the circus world, there is a captivating act that often steals the spotlight; the trapeze. As the catchers and the flyers swing through the air, it seems as though they are defying gravity with each leap. This act is an excellent example of something that takes an extreme amount courage, trust and surrender. I recently read a quote the other day that related our relationship to God to a trapeze act. It said,

“In the great trapeze act of salvation, God is the catcher and we are the flyers. We trust. Period. We rely solely on God’s ability to catch us. As we do, a wonderful thing happens: we fly.” -Max Lucado

When I read this quote, I couldn’t help but think of a Bible story that shows a similar level of faith, trust, and surrender.

In the book of Joshua, the Israelites were facing the daunting task of crossing into the Promised Land led by Joshua after the death of Moses. In Joshua chapter 3, as the people stood at the edge of the Jordan River, Joshua gave the command to “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” He continues to tells the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” (Joshua 3:5-6)

The next day, the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.” (Joshua 3:7-8) As the priests stepped into the river, the waters were miraculously cut off upstream, allowing the people to cross on dry ground.

We are the flyers: Notice how the priests had to take a step out in the water by faith before they saw the miracle of God happen. In the same way, we are the flyers in the trapeze act called life. The platform represents our daily lives. As we grab ahold of the bar, we swing forward propelled by our dreams, goals, and desires. However, it is in the moment when we let go of the bar, that our faith is really tested. We have to give up control and place our fate solely in the hands of the catcher to go any further.

God is the catcher: The catcher is known for having unwavering strength, precision, and reliability. He/she is ready to catch the flyer as they take the leap of faith. Similarly, God’s arms are outstretched with an endless amount of love and mercy waiting for us to surrender to His will. Just as the catcher remains faithful to his commitment to catch the flyer, God is steadfast and a constant source of refuge and support for us.

One of my favorite Bible verses says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Just like how the Israelites had to trust in God’s guidance and step out in faith into uncharted territory, we too must trust God when navigating through the uncertainties of life. Only when the Israelites stepped out, God parted the waters.

This concept of trust is one of the hardest parts of my own life. I know for me, I tend to get laser focused on the path I envision for my life and forget that God has bigger plans for me. In these moments, I need to remember the idea that God, the catcher, can take me further than I could ever go by myself. In the surrender, I will find peace and freedom.

It is time for us to let go of trying to control the way our lives should go and lay all of our dreams, desires, and failures at the feet of Jesus. In surrender, we will find freedom and a life far beyond anything we could ever ask, think or imagine. So take the leap of faith today. It is worth it.

The Bigger Picture: In the trapeze act of life, we can navigate through the uncertainties with trust, courage and surrender knowing that the divine catcher will always be there to catch us when we fall.