I’m from Indiana. The magical land of Hoosiers and corn fields. A Midwest haven of flat land and race fans. Don’t get me wrong, there are things I love about Indiana. The gorgeous sunsets and back road stargazing can’t be missed; but truly good hiking spots are few and far between, mountains entirely nonexistent.
AND WOW, do I love the mountains! It’s something I would have never known had I not lived in the midst of them for the past three months. If you asked me to choose one thing that I love about the Race, it’s recognizing the Lord’s strength and creativity through hiking.
Partnering with ministries across the globe. Building relationships. Teaching English. Sharing the gospel. Loving on children. Loving God and loving others. These memories will be cherished most; but something about worshipping our God as Creator also places everything into perspective for me.
Visiting Machu Picchu this past week, we hiked about 24 miles in total! I had no idea that I was physically capable to do the things I’ve done on the Race so far; but what I do know is that I could never do it without His strength, without fully depending on Him to continue calling me higher (literally & figuratively).
And the beautiful thing about recognizing that I can’t do it alone; about dependence beyond the breaking point, is that there is something beautiful waiting at the end of the climb; in this case, a beautiful view of God’s creativity and the Incan ruins He inspired.
Point is, I love the mystery of Creation. I love that we are called to worship and create because the very nature of God lives in each of us. I love God in His many forms, and I especially love Him as Creator.
Now I know these blogs can be long-winded (sorry friends); but I also wanted to share lyrics with you from a Hillsong worship song that has been teaching me something new about Creation each time I worship to it. Give it a listen on the YouTube, it’s a good one:
/ God of creation
There at the start
Before the beginning of time
With no point of reference
You spoke to the dark
And fleshed out the wonder of light
And as You speak
A hundred billion galaxies are born
In the vapor of Your breath the planets form
If the stars were made to worship so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You’ve made
Every burning star
A signal fire of grace
If creation sings Your praises so will I
God of Your promise
You don’t speak in vain
No syllable empty or void
For once You have spoken
All nature and science
Follow the sound of Your voice
And as You speak
A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath
Evolving in pursuit of what You said
If it all reveals Your nature so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You say
Every painted sky
A canvas of Your grace
If creation still obeys You so will I
So will I
So will I
If the stars were made to worship so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high so will I
If the wind goes where You send it so will I
If the rocks cry out in silence so will I
If the sum of all our praises still falls shy
Then we’ll sing again a hundred billion times
God of salvation
You chased down my heart
Through all of my failure and pride
On a hill You created
The light of the world
Abandoned in darkness to die
And as You speak
A hundred billion failures disappear
Where You lost Your life so I could find it here
If You left the grave behind You so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You’ve done
Every part designed in a work of art called love
If You gladly chose surrender so will I
I can see Your heart
Eight billion different ways
Every precious one
A child You died to save
If You gave Your life to love them so will I
Like You would again a hundred billion times
But what measure could amount to Your desire
You’re the One who never leaves the one behind /
So Will I – HILLSONG UNITED
Worship. Sing His praises. Reveal His nature. Obey. Bow in reverence. Roar His greatness. Lift Him high. Go where He sends you. Cry out in silence. Leave the grave behind you. Choose surrender. Give your life to love.
And so will I.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship” – Romans 12:1 (NIV)
