Wallenda’s Witness at Niagara

(3 Minute Read plus video)

Nik Wallenda tightropes
across Niagara Falls

Daredevil Nik Wallenda, King of the Highwire, walked a tightrope across Niagara Falls in 25 minutes on June 15, 2012.

He was the first to cross the Niagara River on a tightrope in 116 years. Others have crossed Niagara Gorge downstream from the Falls, but he was the first to cross right above Canada’s thundering Horseshoe Falls.

See Wallenda Tightropes Over Niagara Falls for the story with video and picture links.

Wallenda’s Christian Faith
The King of the Highwire serves the King of Kings. He always wears a cross when on the wire, symbolizing his commitment to Jesus Christ. Wallenda testified,

“I grew up in a born-again Christian family. A Bible-believing, God-fearing family. That’s the way I was raised, and I find comfort and peace in that.”

Speaking of his faith, he said,

“It’s the most important part of my life. I believe in a thing called unmerited favor. It’s undeserved, but God’s involvement in my life has gotten me to where I am in my career.”

Before stepping onto the wire, Wallenda gathered his family for prayer. ABC, the event’s primary sponsor, had him wear a microphone for the crossing. Throughout his walk his frequent prayers and praises were audible to TV viewers:

“Thank you, Lord God.” 2:18
“Thank you, Jesus.” 2:27
“Thank you, Lord God.” 4:00
“I praise you, Lord God.” 4:30
“You are my King and my Savior.” 4:49
“Thank you for your peace, Lord. Thank you for your confidence, God. Thank you, Jesus.” 5:05
“Thank you, Jesus. What a freakin’ view!” 6:02
“Praise you Father.” 10:30
“Thank you, Jesus, my righteous king. Praise you, Father God. Praise you, Jesus.” 10:50
“Thank you, Jesus.” 11:20
“Thank you, Savior.” 16:05
“God is good. What an amazing opportunity, what a blessing.”
“Oh, God, how I praise you, Jesus.”
“You’re my Savior, you’re my King, you’re my Counselor, you’re my Wisdom. How I praise you, Jesus. I thank you, Lord.”
“Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Lord. Praise you, my Father.” 17:05
“Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, my Father.” 17:25

But to hear these, you had to watch the live telecast. After the event I watched and read dozens of video clips and news reports, and Wallenda’s prayers and praises were omitted in almost all reports. One clip had 2 brief praises. This ABC 20/20 video has most of his walk with many of his praises.

Wallenda’s faith is clearly foundational to his identity and success, yet the media considered it “unimportant” and mostly censored it.

After the walk Wallenda said,

“Faith plays a huge role in what I do. I believe that God has opened many doors for me in my life and this is one of them. Praise God here I am in one piece.”

When asked the secret of his success and his astounding calm he said,

“A lot of praying, that’s for sure. But, you know, it’s all about concentration, focus, and the training.”

In an interview on Good Morning America three days after his walk he said,

“I really prayed non-stop. The Bible says pray without ceasing, and I’m always praying.” (Here’s a video clip of the interview.)

Wallenda spent two years wrangling with authorities to obtain permission for his act; similar stunts had not been done in over 100 years. Since 1971, six would-be wirewalkers have failed to gain approval. He said the legal battle was his biggest challenge, “probably more remarkable” than the walk. Despite rejections along the way, Wallenda said,

“God’s hand is involved in every step of my life. I believe doors were opened for me that weren’t opened for others and doors that were slammed were reopened. I pray and I talk to God a lot and I find peace in that. That’s how I can remain calm when people would think I could go nuts during this whole process.”

ABC reporter Bill Weir asked Wallenda after his walk, “You have said you definitely believe you received divine intervention to get the permits to do this tonight. How can you pray to a deity to protect you in doing something this risky?”

Wallenda answered,

“I believe that God has given me this ability. Whatever anyone sets their mind to, if they trust God, He’ll bring them to the highest mountains, just like any mountain climber or race car driver. But I believe that God opens and closes doors in our lives, and I believe there is divine intervention in everybody’s lives. As long as we’re willing to access that and believe in faith, God provides for us.”

What’s next for Wallenda? He plans to glorify the King of Kings by using his God-given ability to walk a mile-long 1400-foot-high tightrope across Grand Canyon. He has already secured the permits.

Pictures and Videos
This National Post site has pictures of some of Nik Wallenda’s previous feats and pictures of historical Wallenda Family feats, including a picture of the famous 7-man Wallenda pyramid that fatally collapsed in Detroit in 1962.

Here’s a YouTube video (8:36) of segments of Wallenda’s Tightrope Walk Over Niagara Falls.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Read the prequel:
1. Wallenda Tightropes Over Niagara Falls with video and picture links

Read the sequel:
3. Wallenda, Niagara, & Noah’s Flood (with video)

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©William T. Pelletier, Ph.D.
“contending earnestly for the faith”
“destroying speculations against the knowledge of God”
(Jude 1:3; 2 Cor 10:4)
Wednesday June 27, 2012 A.D.

Read my June 2012 newspaper column:
Hike the Bible 2 – Nazareth

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name. Worship the LORD in holy array. The voice of the LORD is upon the waters. The God of glory thunders. The LORD is over many waters. (Psalms 29:2-3)