The American minister Theodore l. Cuyler wrote:

‘When a miner looks at a rope that is to lower him into a deep mine, he may coolly say

“I have faith in that rope as well made and strong” But when he lays hold of it and swings down by it into a tremendous chasm, then he is believing in the rope. Then he is trusting himself to the rope. It is not a mere opinion – it is an act. The miner lets go of everything else and bears his whole weight on those well braided strands of hemp, now that is faith.’

Last Saturday I faced two phobias as I prepared to abseil down the face of St. Mary Magdalen’s tower. One was in the ascent, the other in the descent. Confined spaces make my heart race in panic. As my fellow adventurers and I wound up the tightly spiralling staircase I had to concentrate on listening to the conversation ahead of me to combat the claustrophobia. The tactic worked and soon we emerged onto the sunlit roof. Here the second challenge awaited. It was wonderful to see the panorama of Oxford and beyond but peering over the parapet the view of the ground below swam before me as vertigo loomed. The soles of my feet tingled with dread.

We were clipped onto a safety rope as careful instructions were issued. The clarity and patience with which they were delivered helped to quell the mounting nerves. I felt ready to reach my legs over the edge of the tower and then turn onto my tummy to face the instructor. His quiet guidance enabled me to lean out over Magdalen Street and bounce down the golden stone, letting the rope slide through my hand. I had no fear and felt completely calm as the ground came up to meet me.

I realized that all my trepidation had melted away with the three reassurances given to me. I had listened intently while mounting the stairs, dispelling my unease. I had been given clear directions, inspiring confidence and trust. I had placed my faith in the strength of the rope and the experience of the instructor.

Fear is a powerful obstacle which can inhibit both our physical and our spiritual lives. We can defy anxiety if we listen to God, then we hear. If we hear God, then we trust. If we trust, faith in God comes easily.

(Thank you to those who sponsored me. I think the money raised will be in the region of £600.00 for the DEC in Pakistan.)