Faith Like A Kite

In 1847 in what is now known as the city of Niagara Falls it was decided that if they had a bridge spanning the great gorge it would be a big boost to the local economy. They had the technology to build the bridge, but were at a loss as to how to get that very important first line across the gorge.The steep cliffs, mighty rapids, and frigid swirling winds hindered any conventional methods. They finally came up with an idea. If someone could fly a kite across the gorge they would have that very important first line. A lot of people attempted the crossing, but only 10 year old Homan Walsh succeeded. First young Homan had to go to the lower river and cross on a ferry, since the prevailing winds came from the Canadian side. He then back tracked to the cliff chosen by the engineer, the narrowest part of the gorge, about 800 feet, were he lofted his kite, aptly named "the Union" , into the air. He released more and more line as the kite ascended and drifted toward the distant shore. As it hung proudly above the cliffs, Homan merely had to wait until sunset when the winds would subside and his kite would begin to drop. Sunset came but the kite remained aloft. Bonfires were built on both sides of the gorge by anxious spectators. As darkness fell, Homan wondered if his kite would ever come down. During the night as the winds diminished he felt his line slacken, and he began reeling it in, and was very disappointed when a frayed line appeared. The line had fallen into the gorge where the sharp ice made it shred instantly. In fact, so heavy was the onslaught of ice that he was held virtually captive on the other side for 8 days, until favorable conditions allowed him to cross the river and retrieve his kite. His family was not very happy with the fact that 10 year old Homan was stranded. A nice family took him in and cared for him until he was able to return home. After some necessary repairs to his kite his second attempt was a roaring success.

After they secured the initial kite line across the gorge progressively heavier and heavier line was fed across until a steel cable connected the distant cliffs, from this cable the bridge was constructed. For all his efforts Homan Walsh was awarded a cash prize of ten dollars, and in 1847 that was a lot of money. Faith is like that. We have the kite string that first connects us to Christ. It is saving faith. For by grace are ye saved through faith... (Ephesians 2:8). Our faith, however is meant to grow. It is to become stronger just like when heavier line was fed across that gorge. Eventually faith becomes like a steel cable. From this cable the bridge of complete faith and trust in Christ is constructed. How strong is your faith? Is it like a kite string? That is ok because that is where you start but if you have been a Christian awhile your faith should be stronger than that. Maybe you believe like the man who said, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief." Is your faith like a steel cable? Is it a bridge? God is going to do things in your life to deepen and strengthen your level of belief and trust in Him.