Issue 1784 – Zip Line – August 7, 2025
Basic training in the military is something I’m glad to have done, but wouldn’t want to repeat. There were moments of great camaraderie, even fun, but many hours of drudgery and repetitive tasks.
I grew up a lot in those short months. They took an undisciplined teenager and helped shape me into a much more disciplined man.
I remember the events of one day towards the end of training. We climbed the tower in full military gear and awaited our turn down the zip line. The climb came after a forced march and a rigorous run of the obstacle course, and everyone was hot and tired.
The zip line had a simple handle that you held on to, and it carried you across a long and filthy pool of water. The smell of sour mud and algae was strong even from the tower top. The water was there in case you lost your grip. It was a lot softer than hitting the ground.
It was my turn. I grabbed the handle with gusto and stepped off the platform. Zip … I was off and traveling … but I didn’t have a solid grip, and it was too late to change my hand position. I got about two-thirds of the way before slipping. The fall was quick.
I hit the water with a splash and a thud. The water was every bit as rank as it looked from up top. The only good things about it were that it was cooler than the air and softer than the ground. Hitting it was a mixed blessing.
That isn’t me in the photo. It’s a stock photo of some soldier zip lining. The water is far too clean.
I was not the only one to fall that day. Some fell deliberately to cool off. Others fell despite their best efforts to hang tight. One fellow even fell because he lost his balance at the top of the tower as he reached for the handle.
No one who fell enjoyed the filth of the water. Everyone who fell was grateful it was there.
Something similar can happen in our faith walk. We can end up amid something we do not enjoy. Yet, it happens for our own good. Sometimes God allows us to go through difficult times. Sometimes, He permits us to go through things we would rather not face.
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:7-11
Life can be hard, but Father walks through it with us. Discipline can be unpleasant, but it brings rewards. The circumstances might be smelly, but the rewards are worth it.
Until next time, rejoice in the hard times. God walks with you.
Hallelu Yah,
Be blessed,
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
__________________________________________
Please like and share this post with your friends and those in your circle of influence. Feel free to comment.
Did you know that we have an email version? It offers the same great content but in a different format. This is ideal for when you don’t want to check your Facebook or share with friends who don’t use Facebook.
___________________________________________
All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”