Part 2 of Series “Free Soloing”

By: Anna (Forlines) Kozyutynskyi

Free soloing is when you climb dangerous rocky cliffs with no gear or support system. The risk of dying while participating in such a sport is close to 90%! Gasp! So, even though I have never personally tried this life-threatening endeavor, I have free soloed through my life with a (*sassy hands on the hips*) “I can do it myself” attitude.

Can you relate?

Our culture encourages a do-it-yourself mindset, but the reality is that this toddler-like attitude only leaves me isolated, anxious, struggling, and lonely. Why? Well, you see, when we try to do things on our own, we push away help offered by God and from others. In turn, when we push away these helping hands, we deeply suffer.

There are three areas I want to focus on that I have suffered when I have pushed away God’s help. First, God’s love is the only love that can truly and eternally fill us. He loves us greater, deeper, and stronger than anyone or anything ever can. God is the only one who can fill this God-sized love hole in our hearts.

Second, our worth is found in God alone. He created us, He is our perfect Father, and He sees us as His most treasured children. God is the only one who gives us our true and forever-lasting worth.

Thirdly, God is our authority. All that we do should be done in obedience to Him. When I have a do-it-myself attitude, I see myself as my own boss and try to decide what is right and wrong. This is so dangerous. Only God is perfect. Only His instructions to us are perfect. Only His love for us is perfect. Only God has the perfect plan for our lives.

Do you see yourself trying to look for love in all the wrong places? Have you tried to create your own sense of worth? Do you listen to what you want over what God wants for you?

Trust me, I have struggles with this too. So first of all, you are not alone in this fight against free soloing. I am here to tell you that free soloing through life will only leave you exposed to danger and loneliness. But I am also here to tell you that walking with God and leaning on His grace brings the greatest freedom. I have experienced the joys and peace of leaning on God instead of on myself, and let me just tell you, it is worth the surrender!

Questions:

1. What areas do you lean on yourself instead of God?
2. Is there any area of your life, any struggle, any hurt, that you hold onto by yourself and

have never opened up about? Today, would you cast it upon the loving arms of Jesus and find a trusted Christian in your life to open up to about it?

Scripture:

Proverbs 18:1 – A man who isolates himself seeks his own desires; he rages against all wise judgment.

Closing Prayer:

Father, so often, I try to free solo my way through life. I know that this can be very dangerous. Forgive me for having an “I can do it myself” attitude. Instead, help me to open my heart to You and to accept your help. Help me to be disciplined in reading and obeying Your Word. You are a Good Father. This means that only You know what is best. I can fully trust the perfect plans You have for my life. Amen.

About the Author: Anna (Forlines) Kozyutynskyi lives in Nashville with her husband, Vlady, and they recently welcomed a baby boy! She enjoys nature and outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing. Her passion is to share the importance of openness and freedom that can only be found in Jesus.