Crumbs Off The Table - 8

The Blondin Story

On June 30, 1859 a man known as “The Great Blondin” accomplished an amazing feat. He crossed Niagara Falls on a 3 inch manila tightrope stretched 1,100 feet across the falls at a height of 160 feet.  He used a thirty-foot long balancing pole and he completed his crossing in 20 minutes. It is said that he walked across the falls several times, each time with a different daring feat.

On one occasion, as the large crowd was gathered, a buzz of excitement ran along both sides of the river bank. The crowd “Oooohed!” and “Aaaaahed!” as Blondin carefully walked across one dangerous step after another -- blindfolded and pushing a wheelbarrow. Upon reaching the other side, the crowd's applause was louder than the roar of the falls!

Blondin suddenly stopped and addressed his audience: "Do you believe I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?" The crowd roared its approval; enthusiastically shouting, "Yes, yes, you are the greatest tightrope walker in the world. You can do anything! Yes, we believe you can!" Then Charles asked for a volunteer; "Okay," he said, "Who will get in the wheelbarrow?" The crowd was silent. He then pointed out one man standing nearby, “How about you?” The man said, “No way, you don’t think I am going to risk my life like that, do you?” and he turned away.

On another occasion, Charles again asked for a volunteer. As usual no one dared. Then he pointed out to a man, “Sir, and what about you?” The man replied, “I believe you are the greatest tight-rope walker in the world. In fact, I have no doubt at all.” Charles said, “Then, will you trust me?” The man replied, “I will!” The man then proceeded to climb on his back and they headed across the falls. The crowd waited breathlessly while they crossed and roared their approval once they completed the crossing. What they didn’t know was that the man was Harry Colcord, his manager. You see Harry knew how good Blondin was and fully trusted him. His faith was secure, as the object of his faith, Blondin, was trustworthy and had proven himself so over the years.

This story paints a real life picture of what faith actually is. The crowd had watched his daring feats. They all said they believed, but their actions proved they truly didn't. Only one really believed. It's one thing for us to say we believe in God. It is true faith though when we believe God and put our faith and trust in Him. Don't worry; God has carried many ‘across’. He CAN be trusted! Trust Him!

‘Surely God is my salvation; I WILL TRUST and NOT BE AFRAID. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;

HE has become my salvation.’ (Isaiah 12:2)