worth it. As I was climbing in the sand
it felt like I was taking two or three steps
just to go up one step. It did not
feel like I was getting anywhere but as I looked back I could see how far we
had come. I also looked up and saw how
far we had left to go. At one point we
came to a rocky place and were able to get a better grip in the sand. At times, the path to the top of the sand
dune was easier because I was following in the footsteps of others. Toward the end of the climb there was a
stretch where I had to climb up on my hands and knees, but the encouragement
from others helped us all make those last few steps. The view from the top was worth it. The
mountains are beautiful and the sand dunes seem to stretch up and up and up. When I got to the top I could see the
mountains towering to our right, to the left was the green of the valley below
us, and directly in front of us we could see the waves crashing on the shore of
the Pacific Ocean. I stood there is awe
of our Creator. He is truly
awesome!
As I think about what God has been teaching
me in Peru it reminds me of the climb up the sand dune. One of my most
persistent struggles is in the area of apologizing for everything,not speaking
up when I know I should and clarifying everything I say with “This might sound
stupid, but…” It seems I have struggled
with this on and off for years, and it has followed me on the World Race. It’s like climbing in sand, I take one step
forward and two steps back. The sand dunes remind me too that following Jesus is
a daily surrender, a figurative “down on my knees” building my relationship
with Him in faith and obedience. And
this faith journey is also about community, the people who are walking up the
mountain with you, letting you know that you are not alone and encouraging you
and pushing you to get to the top. But
the best lesson I am learning is that in the end there is victory. Last year I sort of gave up on working on my
sorry aying and lack of confidence when I spoke. I assumed that this would always be something
that I struggled with but it doesn’t have to be! As I was praying on the roof the next day,
the Lord told me that there can, and there will be victory as I trust in Him
and ask Him to help me find the root of these struggles. If I’m willing to put in the work of faith
and obedience – He can and will bring victory! He is a God of victory!
