Sermon Illustrations

IS THERE ANYONE UP THERE?

There once was a tourist who came too close to the edge of the Grand Canyon, lost his footing and plunged over the side, clawing and scratching to save himself. After he disappeared out of sight; and, just before he fell into open space, he stumbled upon a scrubby bush which he desperately grabbed with both hands. Filled with terror, he called out toward Heaven, "Is there anyone up there?"

A calm, powerful voice came out of the sky, "Yes, there is."

The tourist pleaded, "Can you help me?"

The calm voice replied, "Yes, I probably can. What is your problem?"

"I fell over the cliff and am dangling in space holding on to a bush that is about to let go," he replied. "Please help me!"

The voice from above said, "I’ll try. Do you believe?"

"Yes, yes, I believe," came the response.

The voice from above said, "Do you have faith?"

"Yes, yes, I have strong faith," came the reply.

The calm voice said, "Well, in that case, simply let loose of the bush and everything will turn out fine."

There was a tense pause, followed by the tourist yelling, "Is there anyone else up there?"

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