In the Mist at Niagara Falls

The highlight of our family summer vacation trip to Canada was our visit to Niagara Falls, which actually consists of two falls: American Falls and Horseshoe Falls.

From Falls Avenue, the view of the falls is spectacular, impressive, worthy of its fame in every way.

One could stop at the ledge and be satisfied with the experience. Like the observation deck of the CN Tower in Toronto, there is something breath-taking just to behold one of the wonders of the world, even from a safe distance.

But when we saw a boat below the falls that actually took you closer to the falls (Maid of the Mist), Geoff and I decided to make a ride on Maid of the Mist our vacation splurge.

And it was truly amazing!

Getting that close to the falls requires some preparation (you have to wear a rain poncho),
respect for the boundaries (close up, but not under the falls), a willingness to pay the cost (waiting in line and the admission fee), and takethe risk.

Very few people have survived encounters with Niagara Falls or its rapids. One was a 63 year old woman who went over the falls in a barrel to gain fame and fortune. She got neither. The other was a seven year old who fell accidentally into the river upstream from the falls and was actually rescued by crew and passengers of the Maid of the Mist back in 1960.

The whole experience reminded me of how often I am tempted to approach God. I can be very satisfied with encountering God from a respectful distance. He is breath-taking and glorious—the Wonder of the Universe. His awesome power and flawless perfection is worthy of honor. But it is also intimidating. Worship that recognizes all that He is can seem like all that is safe or expected. But it is distant, and not only does my heart long for me—so does His.

So He provided a way, the Cross of Calvary, not the Maid of the Mist. Instead of a rain poncho, the blood of Christ provides the grace for access into the very presence of God, the “mist” of His Spirit. And it is amazing!

Getting that close to God is an invitation extended to all who come under the blood. Christ took all the risk and paid all the cost on the cross, but you have to take the trip.

After salvation, I can get “on the boat” any time and access His throne, but sometimes in worship, I content myself with a view from the ledge: acknowledging His power and station, but not really entering into “the mist.”

The trip to Niagara Falls reminded me that to truly experience God, I need enter the mist of God’s Spirit. There is no waiting. You can go there in personal worship or in corporate worship, but only you can make the trip! And in the mist, it is truly amazing!