“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 NKJV

F is for Fall

Fall: To drop or descend under the force of gravity, as to a lower place through loss or lack of support

Recently my husband and I finished a job where fall protection equipment was needed to remove a roof. There were a few pieces of equipment needed including full body harnesses, lanyards, self-retracting life lines (SRLs), and anchorage plates to ensure people were safe and wouldn’t fall off the roof or boom lift as they completed their tasks.

Like a physical system for fall protection, we need a “spiritual” fall protection system as we travel this life to ensure we don’t fall into eternal separation from God.

Anchorage Plate: The anchorage plate serves as an independent point of attachment to the roof and must be capable of supporting 5,000 pounds per worker.

Jesus is our anchorage plate.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV).

Full Body Harness: Equipment that the workes wear to attach themselves to the roof system of SRLs and anchorage plates/points.

The full armor of God is our harness.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17 NIV).

Self-retracting Life Line (SRLs): A type of lanyard that allows a user to move around freely within an area. The lanyard rolls out and retracts based on the user’s movement. The retracting function ensures the lifeline is always kept taut. When a sudden increase in speed is detected, e.g. a fall, the automatic speed brake is activated and the fall will be stopped.*

The Holy Spirit is our SRL.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).

If you don’t have an anchorage plate, you can pray right now to receive Jesus. “If you declare with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

When you receive Jesus as your Savior you will receive your SRL, the Holy Spirit. “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16).

Daily put on your full body harness, the full armor of God, and live in truth, righteousness, peace, and faith. Read the Bible daily and pray.

For those of us with the Fall Protection System fully in place, stay connected!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your “system” to keep us from being utterly cast down and separated from You for all eternity. Help us to connect and stay connected to You! Amen.