Today on the Mustard Seed, I’m sharing something a little different — a guest devotional written by my friend Angela Fields. When she told me she wanted to try her hand at writing a devotional, I knew I wanted to give her the space to share what God put on her heart.
If you’ve ever met Angela, you know she’s full of energy, curiosity, and a whole lot of “yes.” Her story today reflects that same spirit — bold, honest, and willing to step out where God leads.
Jesus Take the Wheel (barrow)
Charles Blondin was a world‑famous tightrope walker who, in 1859, decided to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope. Once he succeeded, he repeated the feat more than 300 times, each one more daring than the last. He walked backward. He crossed with a potato sack over his head. Once, he even carried a stove so he could stop halfway, cook an omelet, and continue on his way.
But my favorite crossing is the one where he brought a wheelbarrow.
The crowd gathered, excited and confident. Blondin asked if they believed he could cross the tightrope while pushing a wheelbarrow. They shouted their support:
“I believe in you!” “Do it!” “No doubt about it!”
Then Blondin asked for a volunteer to get in the wheelbarrow and join him on the journey across the chasm.
The crowd fell silent. Not one person stepped forward.
Where had their belief gone?
People who know me like to joke that when you ask Angela, “Do you want to…?” my immediate response is “YES!” — even before I hear the rest of the question. I’m a risk‑taker. I love new adventures.
But when I think about Blondin and his wheelbarrow, I have to ask myself: Do I respond as quickly to Jesus when He asks me to get into His wheelbarrow and trust Him?
Too often, I make excuses:
- “The wheelbarrow isn’t big enough.” (Not believing God’s provision is enough — or enough for me.)
- “I don’t have time to cross Niagara Falls.” (Not believing God’s timing is perfect.)
- “I’m happy standing here on the cliff. It’s solid ground.” (Afraid to move, afraid to make a mistake, afraid to leave the familiar.)
- “What if we fall?” (Not trusting Jesus to protect me.)
- “I can do it myself. Tightrope walking can’t be that hard.” (Believing in myself more than in Jesus.)
How many times has Jesus invited you to get into His wheelbarrow and trust Him? How many times have you said, “Yes, Lord! I believe in Your power and might! I’ve seen You work in the lives of others, so I know You’re able!” — but when He asks you to step out onto the tightrope of life, you hesitate?
For me, it’s more times than I’d like to admit. But I’m tip‑toeing out onto the tightrope.
Is Jesus asking you to trust Him in some area of your life today? What is your response?
Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank You for being a patient Father. Please forgive me for the times I proclaim trust but fail to walk it out. You are trustworthy, and I know You will lead, guide, and protect me along this tightrope of life. I ask that You continue to tilt the wheelbarrow in my direction and invite me along for Your journey. My answer is “YES.” I love You, Abba Father.
Your daughter, Angela
