“You’re the oldest. You first!”
Our cousin carefully rounded the old banister post and stepped onto the narrow ledge. One misstep would land this ledge-walker on the worn wooden stairway far below.
We held our breath as she clutched the railing and step-slid her feet along the 10-foot ledge. The end of the ledge positioned our brave cousin over the most extreme drop of her journey.
Her return trip was speedy and confident. Reaching the banister post, she swung onto the landing. Whispered cheers for the ledge-conquering hero mingled with quiet cries of “Me next!”
We weren’t supposed to play on the stairs or climb over the banister railing. But technically, we weren’t climbing.
This scene played out frequently over the years, changing only with which cousins were visiting my grandparents’ farm at the time. Miraculously, no serious accidents occurred during our ledge-walking adventures.
Why are ledges enticing? Is it the excitement of danger and the forbidden? Our desire to test limits and vulnerabilities? The need to prove that we’re in control?
King David was once a ledge-walker. In 2 Samuel 11, we find David at home in Jerusalem while all his men were away at war. One evening, as the king walked the roof of his palace, he saw a beautiful woman bathing on her roof. Instead of stepping back, David leaned in closer for a better look. He figuratively stepped from the safety of the rooftop, over the protective railing, and onto the ledge when he sent for the woman, the wife of one of his brave warriors, and slept with her.
David would soon learn that ledge-walking always has consequences. He later repented, but the consequences of his time on the ledge impacted his family for generations.
Genesis 37–49 tells the story of Joseph, yet another young man who had an opportunity to step out on the ledge. That pivotal moment in Joseph’s life greatly impacted how God used him. It happened when the wife of the man he served began pursuing Joseph, persistently inviting the handsome young servant to step over the railing and onto the ledge of adultery with her.
When Joseph refused Potiphar’s wife, her false accusations landed him in prison. But that’s exactly where God prepared Joseph for his next assignment—where he would become second in command of the mighty nation of Egypt.
There have been times when I’ve climbed over the railing of life and walked precariously along the ledge. But every time, there were consequences. Those days of disobedience, willfulness, and rebellion altered my story for a season.
Lives that should have been touched weren’t, and spiritual growth that should have happened didn’t. And the deepening of my relationship with God, which only a fully surrendered heart could enjoy, was long delayed.
I praise God for His long-suffering, patience, goodness, mercy, and endless love for me, His child. When I repented of my sin and returned to Him, He forgave, cleansed, and restored me (Isaiah 44:21–22; 1 John 1:9). In fact, every time I’ve failed Him, God, the eternal promise keeper, has received me back.
Have you taken to the ledge? Have the things of the world caught your eye? Has the thrill of sin enticed you? First Corinthians 10:12 (NIV) says, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”
Ledge-walking will eventually lead to your downfall (James 1:14–15). Maybe you’ve already discovered this truth. If so, it’s okay. God is in the restoration business. No depth of darkness can exceed His grace.
Turn your heart to Him. Ask for forgiveness and grab hold of His merciful hand. He will forgive, cleanse, and restore you—just like He did for King David and just like He did for me.
Sherri Mewha loves to speak and teach about God’s transforming love, grace, and mercy. After 30+ corporate years, then an art gallery owner, her focus today is writing about Jesus in devotions and Bible studies. She’s a wife, mom, and Mimi to five gorgeous grands. Connect with Sherri Mewha at living-earswideopen.com.
