The term “face the wall” has negative connotation. It used to be a common punishment for children. More seriously, it was used as a military execution method and as a biblical idiom meaning preparing for death. In the gamers’ world, it means authoritarian regime.

Recently, I faced the wall, literally. Not as a punishment nor as an execution but as a game. I tried Wall Climbing at Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest IL during a Youth Camp. With the safety gear on, I headed to face the 28-foot wall. The aim is to get on top of the platform. There are climbing holds attached to the 90-degree wall so that climbers can grab or step on it. I quickly surveyed the climbing holds to somehow create a game plan. As I step and grab on those climbing holds I felt the adrenaline of excitement, wanting to go up further. But the 90-degree wall prevented me to see the climbing holds I need to step on. I was stuck! Thanks to the Wall Climber Coach, she guided and instructed me every step of the way until I reached the top. The cheers of the people were an encouragement. It was a great experience! I felt a sense of achievement. Now being on top and rappelling is another story to tell.

In life, face the wall can mean negative situations where it seems there is no way out, dead end, and GIVE UP zone. But it could be an opportunity to GO UP, climb instead of just facing the wall. The climb itself is a process where there are so much to learn. The climb exposes us to helpers, and supporters, but also to people who are hard to reach. They can be encouragers or challengers to help us keep moving up. But most importantly, we must trust the Coach. The Coach who has been there on top before we even decided to go up. The Coach who sees all the climbing holds and have the best game plan for us to succeed. That Coach of course in none other than God! The best Wall Climbing Coach Ever. Psalm 18:27-29,32-33 declares:

“You are the one who saves people who suffer and brings down those with proud eyes.

You are the one who lights my lamp—the Lord my God illumines my darkness.

With you I can charge into battle; with my God I can leap over a wall.

Only God! The God who equips me with strength and makes my way perfect,

who makes my step as sure as the deer’s, who lets me stand securely on the heights,

You’ve given me the shield of your salvation, your strong hand has supported me;

Your help has made me great.”

Life can be full of 90-degree walls higher than 28 feet; we have a choice to either just face the wall (GIVE UP) or climb that wall (GO UP). What I am certain is that with God as our Coach, wall climbing, challenging though, ensures victory.