So Yesterday some of my team and I decided to go volcano boarding (pretty much sledding down the side of a volcano).
Looks pretty sweet, right? That is until they drop you off at the bottom of the volcano and tell you that you have to hike up the volcano first.
And you need to carry all your safety gear and your board!
This is the point when a little voice in my head started telling me “You can’t do it! There is no way you are making it up that volcano.” I tried to quiet the voice as we started our hike. It started off pretty good with some big rocks that were pretty easy to push off of and not too steep.
Pretty soon the rocks became pebbles and sand. Instead of being able to get an easy push forward, your foot would slip a little back and the path got a little more steep. I was already at the back of the group and felling a little behind. This made it pretty easy for that voice to come back a little stronger saying “You can’t make it! Your legs are already tired and it’s getting harder.”
I stopped again to take a sip of water and a few pictures (but really to try to catch my breath and convince my legs to move again). When I was reminded that I don’t have to do this alone and I don’t have to rely on my own strength. I am a daughter of God and I need to rely on His strength in all my struggles, even when it’s just trying to get my butt up a volcano. As I continued to climb I kept reminding myself that I am His daughter and NOTHING can change that and NOTHING can stop me when He is my strength. Next thing I knew we were at the first look out spot. I made it this far! I drank more water sat down and enjoyed the beautiful view for a few minutes and took it all in.
Then we were off again! We need to make it up the rest of the way and around to the other side to see the principle crater and to volcano board down the other side.
Not too bad but I fell behind a little bit again, but this time instead of getting frustrated with myself I chose joy!
I began to thank God for everything (the opportunity, the struggle, everything I could think of) and when I ran out of things a song popped in to my head. 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman. One part of the lyrics stood out
“The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes”
I love it because it pretty much says that whatever happens is fine as long as I don’t lose my identity in Christ. If I’m still singing his praise at the end of the day, it’s been a good day! At this point I was kinda glad to have fallen behind. Walking a little slower, I took in the sights and had a mini personal worship session the rest of the way.
I made it!
I would like to thank all my supporters! You guys are AMAZING! I am only about $275 short of my December goal($11,000)! You have shown me so much love and encouragement and I am so thankful for each and every one of you! You are such a blessing to me and I pray for you all every night!
If you are interested in becoming a financial supporter you can click the support me button on the left side. Also if you are interested in being part of my prayer team, which is an email about once a month with details of what i’m doing and specific prayer requests, please email me at [email protected].
Thanks! God Bless!
