Have you ever heard of The Great Blondin?
His name sure makes him sound like a pretty important guy.
If you were alive in the mid-1800’s, you surely would’ve heard of him, the greatest tightrope walker in the world.
Blondin was the first person to walk across the Niagara Falls on a tightrope. And he didn’t stop there.
He once walked across the Falls on stilts. On another occasion, he walked across carrying his manager on his back. Imagine the thrill the audience experienced as they watched him carry a stove and chair to the halfway point, before proceeding to cook an omelet and eat it!
One time Blondin pushed a wheelbarrow across. When he got to the other side, it’s reported that he asked the crowd whether they believed he could push a man across in the wheelbarrow. Their response was a resounding cheer of approval.
But when he asked for a volunteer, the audience fell silent.
They believed in him to a point. But not enough to risk their own lives. Not enough to go “all in.”
Choosing to Trust God
I’ve heard this story multiple times. It’s a great illustration of saving faith; believing Jesus can save people is one thing. Entrusting Him with your life and with your eternity is another thing altogether.
And so I ask you, have you “gotten in the wheelbarrow”? Have you trusted Jesus Christ with your choices and your relationships and your moments and your days and your eternity?
If not, you can find out more about that decision here. The decision to accept or reject Jesus Christ is the most important decision you will ever make.
And it’s impossible to not choose. Not accepting is rejection, pure and simple.
But if you’ve been hanging around my blog for any length of time, it’s highly likely that you’re already a Christ-follower. And when I heard Blondin’s story yet another time this past week, the Holy Spirit brought a new question to my mind; one that applies to you and me — those of us who’ve made the choice to get in the wheelbarrow.
Do you trust Him enough to stay in?
Stay in the Wheelbarrow
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just want to get out.
When foster parenting is too draining.
When homeschooling is too discouraging.
When ministry is too demoralizing.
When relationships are too disheartening.
When life is too demanding.
When trials are too debilitating.
God, can I please just get out? Will you please release me?
It’s too hard. I just can’t do it. Please don’t ask me to keep going.
I’m begging You to just let me out of here.
And yet, the voice of truth reminds me that the same faith that got me into the wheelbarrow in the first place will compel me to stay there.
And the same grace that drew me toward God to begin with promises to keep on being enough.
The same Gospel that saved me by grace through faith is just as powerful.
And the same God I entrusted with my eternity can be trusted with these few and fleeting days on earth, difficult though they may be.
“And those who know Your name put their trust in You,
for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”
Psalm 9:10
If you’re in a season when trust is hard, you’ll be blessed by Dawn Klinge’s book, Look to Jesus. Available in Kindle and paperback versions, this book is packed with encouragement for Christians who want to nurture their faith by strengthening their relationship with God.
Dawn shares transparently from her own experiences in a way that’s honest and relatable, and she is faithful to make the Bible a primary thrust.
I’m thankful for writers like Dawn who think deeply about their faith, and who know that God is big enough to lead us through every query, every question, and every pondering, and that He is kind enough to do so in the gentle way that is so characteristic of our Savior.This book honors Him well.
Leah Adams says
I had not heard the story of The Great Blondin. It is definitely a great faith analogy I don’t think I would have volunteered to ride in the wheelbarrow either!!! I love the challenge your post offers to all of us.
Jennifer Clarke says
I don’t think I would’ve ridden in it either, Leah! LOL! I’m grateful that our faith in our God is a sure thing. It may require us to walk a hard path, but the victory is guaranteed. Hallelujah!
Dawn says
What a great analogy the wheelbarrow story is! Yes, that’s me, the one wanting to jump out of the wheelbarrow sometimes. ; ) I love how you used the story to remind us of something so important. The same God we trust with eternity, can handle the problems that come up in the meantime.
Jennifer Clarke says
Thanks for reading, and for identifying with me in this, Dawn! I just prayed for us both, that God would grant us unwavering trust in our God who is good and who is worthy of the full and overflowing measure of our faith.
Ginger Harrington says
Yes, this story is such a powerful analogy for saving faith! I like the way you also made the point that sometimes we want to get out of the wheelbarrow. What a list of hard things you included–these kinds of things challenge our faith. Hopefully we stick with it and are the stronger for it. That’s my goal today!
Jennifer Clarke says
“Stick to it and be stronger for it.” Amen, Ginger! Thanks for reading. 🙂
Cathy Z. Peek says
Great anology. I have had more than a few times in my life where crawling out of the wheelbarrow sounded like a good alternative, but it wasn’t God’s plan. Trusting God through those times has been way more daring and exciting than crossing Niagra. What a blessing we have his strength and courage for what ever any of us are facing.
Jennifer Clarke says
Daring and exciting indeed, my friend! And you’re exactly right – He equips us with all that we need to stay in the wheelbarrow. Thanks for reading, Cathy!
Jaylin Palacio says
Great post! Very motivating. Thank you for writing this.
Jennifer Clarke says
Welcome, Jaylin, and thank you! I’m glad you were blessed.
Kim Stewart says
Jennifer, I love that image “stay in the wheelbarrow”. Thanks for sharing on Grace & Truth so I can read your inspiring words.
Jennifer Clarke says
Hi, Kim! Thanks so much for stopping by and for leaving this kind word of encouragement.
Jenn says
I haven’t heard of the Great Blondin either! Very interesting story. There’s no way I would have gotten in with him.
But my God is another story. I completely trust Him. Through all the bumps, hills and valleys of the ride, I know He’s got me safe in that ole wheelbarrow! Sometimes it seems like it might be easier to jump out, even while it’s moving, but I trust Him!!
Thanks for the post, Jennifer!! <3
Arabah Joy says
So good. I have trust issues. Needed to read this today. I’m stay in! 🙂
Jennifer Clarke says
I love that our God is worth staying in for, and I adore that He lets us encourage each other to stay in, too. I’m glad we’re fellow pilgrims together! <3