Holding the rope

 Often God brings to your attention the right things at the right time; it's one of his caring characteristics.

Recently I came across a quote from William Carey (the missionary to India) which is speaking to me clearly during my time in the UK. He was hearing God's call to overseas work and said to his friend, "I will go, if you will hold the rope." 

You can imagine the person at one end of the rope climbing a mountain, exploring a cave, swimming far out to sea or being lowered into a deep well. It's possible to do any of these things alone but far more likely to end in disaster. The person heading into the unknown may be taking the obvious risks, making the sacrifices, living dangerously or excitingly, but the ones holding the rope have also accepted a huge responsibility. Their lives have been altered too. They have committed to care and support the other. If they let go there will be consequences.

The analogy shouldn't be taken too far. When God calls he doesn't send you out alone or with only human company. He is always there to guide and support but he chooses to have us work together, learning and growing with others. There are many different, though equally important roles, people at both ends of the rope, both being obedient to the task the Lord has given them, neither taking the responsibility lightly.

Thank you to everyone who has kept hold of our rope in the close to ten years since we followed God's call overseas. Glory to him who ultimately has kept us attached.