Have you ever felt like you were walking a tightrope through life…just trying to balance everything and not fall into a pit? I have. Let’s think about this story…don’t give up…read to the end!
“Blondin” was the stage name for Frenchman Jean-Francois Gravelet. He was a fair-skinned, blue-eyed, and blonde-haired young man who migrated to the United States with a troupe of acrobats employed by Master Showman P.T. Barnum. In 1858, the thirty-five-year-old Blondin visited Niagara Falls as a tourist and there conceived the preposterous idea of walking across it.
In his mind’s eye, he saw himself walking between the two countries, the United States and Canada, over the great gorge on nothing more than a rope pathway taut between the two.
Harry Colcord became Blondin’s agent and promoter, selling his product, “The Great Blondin!” On June 30, 1859, Blondin planned to make his first historic trek across the falls.
A 1,300-foot long, three-inch diameter manila rope stretched from one side of the gorge to the other. It sagged about twenty feet in the middle of the span and bounced about with the constant wind.
With mingled emotions of fear and faith, the crowd watched as the acrobat stepped out in silk tights and a smile. A quarter of the way out over the great expanse, Blondin stopped, laid down on the rope, then appeared to take a quick nap. Then he bounced up handlessly and proceeded to walk the rope.
Blondin accepted a glass of champagne, did a little dance on the rope, and walked back across to the American side in a mere eight minutes. Those watching noted that Blondin appeared to be one with the rope. If the rope bounced, he bounced. If the rope swayed, he swayed.
As time passed, Blondin made many more crossings over Niagara Falls. Each crossing promised more aggressive and daring stunts: walking backwards, walking on stilts, riding a bicycle, pushing a small stove in a wheelbarrow while cooking an omelet, and standing on his head in a chair. One day Blondin announced to his agent his intention to perform his most grand and daring stunt yet—taking a man across on his back.
Harry though that was an ingenious idea, but no one volunteered, not even for a hefty sum. So Blondin had the idea that he would carry his agent, Harry!
Blondin took the terrified Harry by the hand and led him to the rope as 100,000 spectators looked on. Mechanically, Colcord mounted Blodin’s back, wrapped his arms around his neck, and placed his feet into harnessed stirrups on either side of Blondin’s hips.
As Blondin stepped out onto the rope, Colcord grasped him so tightly he could barely breathe. Harry later remembered the moment:
“Out over that horrible gulf I heard the roar of the water below and the hum which ran through the crowd…Blondin halted at the last resting point before the middle span and yelled above the roar of water and wind, “Harry, you are no longer Colcord; you are Blondin. Until I clear this place, be a part of me—mind, body, and soul. If I sway, sway with me. Do not attempt to do any balancing yourself. If you do we shall both go down to our death.’”
The good news is that the two men made it to the other side.
Why did I tell you this story? Because we are in a similar situation as we walk the tightrope of life. Just as Blondin carried Harry, so Jesus carries us—from earth’s soil to heaven’s gate. When we try to balance on our own, we run the risk of tipping over into various Niagara Falls of circumstances. We struggle for balance when the real work is clinging to Jesus.
Jesus whispers, “Lean into me. Become one with me. Trust me to get you there.”
Paul wrote: “But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him,” (1 Corinthians 6:17 NLT). Jesus doesn’t want us simply to follow after Him. He wants us to be in union with Him as we live and move and have our being in Him (Acts 17:28).
Today, picture Jesus carrying you across the tightrope of life. Hear Him saying, “Until I clear this place, be a part of me—mind, body, and soul. If I sway, sway with me. Do not attempt to do any balancing yourself.”
Then when we get to the other side called heaven, we will hear the roar of applause!
God, I don’t know why I think I can do life on my own. Help me to remember to cling to Jesus and always move in union with Him. Show me what it means to abide in Him as I walk through each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
PS. I have loved reading each and every comment from last week’s devotion about what you’re thankful for! I just love doing life with you!!!! If you have a chance, go back and read what your sisters wrote, and maybe add your own list if you haven’t already!
Digging Deeper
Today’s devotion was adapted from my book, A Sudden Glory: God’s Lavish Response to Your Ache for Something More. If you’d like to learn about how to live in sacred union with Jesus every day, all day, then this book is for you! Experiencing His continual presence isn’t about what He wants from you…but what He wants for you
It’s not too soon to be thinking of Christmas! This year, give a gift that will have eternal impact on those you love. Here are a few suggestions! Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe, Momma Moments with God 30-Day Devotional, Praying for Your Child from Head to Toe.
Comments 49
Sharon, I read several daily devotionals every day, but you are the Best story teller. I read Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Joyce Myers, Joseph Prince,…..but Tuesday is my favorite because I get to read yours! You have a way with words, I love how you see Jesus in every day events!! Thank you!
Author
Thank you soooo much! I feel like I’ve just had a big hug!
Hi Sharon, I agree with Crystal. I also read other devotions in the AM but I really look forward to yours. You are the best storyteller and I love how you talk about every day events. I hope God will continue to use you and bless you. Consider this as another hug!
I like the way you related it to a tightrope.
What a beautiful, powerful visual you give with your words. It always brings what you share to light. You have a beautiful gift, and I pray God continues to bless you richly, as He uses you to bless all of us and encourage us! Thank you!!
Kathi Sitek
I totally agree! I cannot wait until Tuesday to read your devotional each week. You are a blessing to me and to many other readers. Thank you❤️🙏
Author
Thank you! That is so encouraging!!!!
Hi Sharon, I totally agree with Crystal.
I’ve been reading your devotions over the years, and I’ve even bought several of your books, which are quite interesting. Continue to let God use you.
Author
Thank you so much! You’ll never know how much you encouraged me today!
This definitely spoke to me this morning! Life is in a season of major changes right now and this was the perfect imagery of how to make it through. Thank you so much! ❤️🙏
Barbara, you expressed it perfectly. I am also in a season of changes. God has been with me all the way. If it weren’t for Him I couldn’t have made it this far.
What powerful imagery using Blondin and Niagara Falls! Truly becoming one with Christ is played out so beautifully in this message, Sharon ~ thank you!!
Reading this post was such a Godsend. I’m feeling the pressure of so many losses and fears. My core aches with such darkness now. I’m trying to balance myself and not cross over the pit in front of me. I’ll have to be carried by Jesus and sway when he sways and not try to balance myself. I’m learning to worship while facedown in the dust. Praise Jesus.
this is what I needed today – thank you!
For the last few months was very hard time for me. As much I try to I don’t know how to lain down all my fears and worries in Him alone. I need a help and prayer
I am in the same boat too. But we cannot give up, no matter how fear taunts us. We must continue to pray and ask God to help us let go of all our worries and give them to Him.
JESUS please help me and Ernane give you alone all our fears and worries. Help us to believe you got this and us.
In Jesus name amen
I stopped to pray for your, dear sister in Christ. Remember, you never have to do anything alone anymore. Cling to Jesus.
I have to remember God is in control and to trust in God.
I have struggled so hard to ‘follow after’ Jesus. “Lean into Him” and various other instructions. Now I understand that I gave to be one with Him. That makes so much more sense to me, thank you. Of course, I can’t do anything without Him so my first prayer each day is “Thank You Lord for wanting me to be one with You. Thank You for paying the cost for saving me and giving me Your Spirit to guide me. Today I surrender all to You. Guide my thoughts, words and deeds. You are so wonderful. Thank You Jesus”
Daily I struggle to sway yet I remain leaning on the promise that he would never leave me or forsake me. I need healing that only God can provide.
Thank you for your ministry,
God Bless
That was fun and interesting to read. Thanks for a good start to my day. 🙂
Thank you Sharon for this much needed message today.
I do struggle with trying to always thinking I need to do things on my own, or going ahead of Jesus.
I know Jesus loves me and I want my love for Him to be about not what can I do for him or what He can do for me! Just plain and simple trust! He deserves so much!
This was one of the best devotionals, very impactful. The imagery of swaying with God and trusting him to get us through our tough moments was something I will be pondering for awhile. Thank you for your ministry. I am rereading Praying for your child and am inserting my children, their spouses, and my grandchildren in it and am also reading Praying for your Husband. They are also powerful and timely. Thank you for allowing God to work through you.
Thanks so much for this message today I enjoy reading all your words but today really touched my soul.You are a blessing to me with your words of encouragement and inspiration 🙏🏻💕
I really needed to hear this today I am really struggling
Me too Paula! Lifting you in prayer
The imagery here is fantastic! As I continue in the story that God is taking me on, I do feel like Harry at times, fearful, grasping, terrified. Then God gently reminds me to look at what He has brought me through thus far and it helps me trust Him more and makes me want to have a “better” Union with Him. Thank you Sharon. From a retreat participant at Sandy Cove 💕
Thank you Sharon for your weekly Spiritual writings of Gods love for us.
I am very thankful for the lovely sunshine, hearing the birds sing.
May we hang on to that tight rope and keep climbing up with GODS strength and support to keep going.
Thank you again Sharon for your Love and Blessings – Veronica 🌈🌈🌈
Sharon, I have been reading your posts for years, from when you were with Girl Friends In God. I love how you make things easy to understand using relatable examples. Thank you so much for helping me on my journey.
That was a great story & devotional. You are the best …. Right on time every Tuesday. Thank you & by the way I love your name!♥️
Good Morning, I agree with other readers…. You are a wonderful storyteller! I love your weekly devotion. I look forward to reading it. I find myself quite “grateful” for your ability to tie a great devotional message in with a story. My gratitude extends to how Women like you and I can prevail from similar Childhoods with our loving Gods all encompassing never failing guidance
Sharon,
What a blessing to read this today. I know God is with me as I walk the tight rope of my new life without my husband. This helped me today to remember to call on Jesus because I know he is there holding my hand as we do this together. When I need more help I know Jesus picks me up and puts me on his back and says we can do this together. I am so thankful for your devotions.
Thank you
So very good! God is in control, we just have to trust and believe.
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing that story and how I can apply it to my life. It is such a vibrant picture of being in union with Christ.
Amazing how timely this message is. I had a serious fall with serious injuries. My sister passed away unexpectedly a few days later and I am literally drowning in overwhelm. Your devotional provides an awesome visual for me to ponder. Thank you.
Wow this re a lly hit big! I’m from the Niagara Falls area, too…hanging on to Jesus, the vest thing we can do in EVERY situation!
Sharon. Thank you for your inspirational devotions. Think it’s tme I became a Blondin
I love the imagery of this story.
It makes so much sense that the best way to do life is to walk in union with our Saviour. But it is not always the path I choose!
Teach me Jesus to walk with You!
This is what I needed today!! Thank you!!!
I love, love, love this book. I read it several years ago, and even shared the principles at a women’s retreat. I urged them to purchase it. I have read it several times, referred to it and taught from it. This is my favorite story from the book. I think it depicts walking with the Holy Spirit better than any other illustration I have heard. Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. I find them to be so relatable to other women.
Author
Thank you so much!
What an amazing event! I know I’d heard of this story when I was young, but the way you described it, leaning into Jesus makes it even more amazing. Sharon, thank you for sharing your wonderful gift of writing. You blessed us!
Thank you. The imagery!
Holding on!
Thank you so much for the true story. As someone has said the imagery helps I’m such a visual person and seeing Blondin on that rope, if he can do that with faith in himself then I know I can do and have greater faith in the God who does carry me every day. I get inspired by your
devotionals 😊
I’m so thankful I found you and your writing. I was led to your devotion through proverbs31 ministries during a very dark time of my life, probably one of the darkest. I’ve been reading your devotions ever since. I also read momma moments with God and it was such encouragement to my soul I felt God speak to me each morning through your words.
Thank you
Author
I am so glad you loved Mamma Moments! I loved writing it!!!
Hello Sharon,
Thank you again for this insightful encouraging message!
In times of need, Jesus speaks life into our bones. We are so blessed!!
Thank you very much for all your wonderful devotional readings Sharon. I often share them with my friends. As usual I was encouraged today to be one with Christ as I navigate the tight rope situations in my live.
I do agree with the other sisters that you are a great writer and story teller. God bless you and your family
Author
Thank you, Michelle!