Last weekend I had the privilege to adventure up and camp on volcano Acetenango (the third highest peak in Central America at just under 4000 meters above sea level) with all the guys on my team. And I can honestly say it was the most marvelous encounter with God’s creation I’ve ever had.
We left the AIM base around 5 a.m. One of the staff who works at the base drove us to the volcano and that in itself was an adventure. Five of us had to sit in the bed of his truck with all the bags. We bundled up and huddled under a blanket. It was windy and a bit cold. But the stars above us were spectacular and as the sun rose, the horizon line was stained with red and oranges.
“Honor the LORD, you heavenly beings; honor the LORD for his glory and strength. Honor the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” – Psalm 29:1-2
Going into the hike I wasn’t at all worried about how physically exhausting it would be. I workout pretty much everyday so I figured it would be a breeze. After the first 45 minutes of hiking I was definitely regretting working out the night before! Thankfully though the rest of the ascent wasn’t as hard on me as that first little bit.
As we continued to climb higher and higher the terrain started to feel more like home. The jungly and damp surroundings turned to shrubs and pine trees that eventually began to be more sporadic. The air became fresher and dryer. As the trees broke up I could see more of the surrounding landscape. The beauty and stillness all along the trail filled my soul with peace as I walked in silence with God.
Once we reached the camp site we were very high. We set up our tents and most of the guys either read or napped. I found a nice spot to sit and enjoy the view. I looked down over the landscape that stretched out far below. Small round clouds rolled in around Fuego (another volcano right next to Acetengango). I couldn’t help but think of Jill in The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis. At one point in the story she has no idea where she is and looks over the edge of a high cliff. Far below she sees little sheep. But then she realizes to her terror and wonder that the sheep aren’t sheep; they are clouds. I felt similar to how she must have. Looking down on clouds when on firm ground is a weird but awe inspiring thing. More “sheep” rolled in around Fuego and soon I was looking out across a blanket of fluffy clouds blocking my view of the ground; I didn’t mind though.
As I sat there I wondered how people don’t believe in God? Looking at this world in splendor and glory and intricate detail I don’t know how one could believe it all came about by chance. Could it really be this magnificent and organized without a masterful hand at work? I also wondered how those who don’t believe in God can go on living with any sort of joy or peace. Looking out at the vast and mighty world how are they not filled with despair? I know I would be. I would be plagued with questions. What is the purpose of life? What am I; so small, insignificant and fleeting compared to mighty mountains and far outstretching lands? I will surely die and be forgotten forever. What is my life? What is the point of it all?
As I wondered about this I thanked Jesus that I don’t have to personally wonder about these things; He has given me hope, purpose, satisfaction, and life to the full. Although I am prone to think of my insignificance when I look at the great mountains and volcanoes that is not how God thinks of me. I am loved and desired and delighted in by Him. I am significant to Him. I am His beloved child. Instead of looking at the mountains and wondering at my insignificance, I should look at the mountains and be filled with awe of God’s greatness, wonder, and beauty.
God has been so good to me. God has blessed me with much and given me so many opportunities. He has revealed to me His glory and given me purpose. How could I not go and live for God after all He has done for me and all I have seen of His faithfulness and goodness. How could I not go and share the Good News of Jesus with as many people as I can? People are lost, hurting, and broken and they are within my reach. In the words of Keith Green: “I want to save a life today / I want to get someone close with my Father / Feed them the bread of life today / I want to help them get stronger / Help them last longer / And give them a chance to see Jesus.”
A few hours later we continued towards the summit of the mountain. Clouds had rolled in and we were walking through them! It was so cool! By now there were no trees left along the trail; just scattered bushes and occasional flowers. As we continued to ascend, the trail got rockier and soon we left all life behind. Finally we reached the top; and what a sight to behold! We could see far into the distance behind us. Agua (another large volcano) could be seen clearly in the distance rising up in might. But ahead and almost everywhere I turned there were glorious clouds below blanketing the land, many reflecting the sunlight. I could have stayed at the top for hours and hours… if it hadn’t been for the wind. The wind was super strong at times and as the sun got ready to set it got colder and colder. We sang a few worship songs and then began to descend back down to where we would spend the night.
“The voice of the LORD echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The LORD thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The voice of the LORD splits the mighty cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf; he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox.” – Psalm 29:3-6
Because much of the trail had been loose rock we were able to run down! Because our feet would sink into the rocks a little bit each step it was a sort of cushion making it easy and decently safe. It was super crazy!
That night back at the base camp was amazing. Our guide got a fire going. As the sun set the eruptions of Fuego (which had been going off all afternoon) now revealed red lava chunks. It was so amazing!The stars started to come out beautifully. Jordan and I had steaks and potatoes together. As the night wore on most of the guys went in to sleep till it was just me and a couple other guys chilling with the fire. A full moon started to rise which dimmed out the stars but gave off light to see the blanket of clouds still below us and going off towards the horizon. I was beyond content. Clouds, fire, stars, and the moon are among my favorite things to marvel at. And to top it off every 15 or so minutes Fuego would erupt sending molten rock flying everywhere.
“The voice of the LORD strikes with bolts of lightning. The voice of the LORD makes the barren wilderness quake; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare. In his Temple everyone shouts, ‘Glory!’”
The God of all of this creation looks with favor on me. Who am I? As we were hiking up the mountain one of the guys asked, “What did we do to deserve all this?” In response I said, “Nothing. God’s goodness.” And the truth is none of us deserve anything we have. We have all fallen so short and deserve death and destruction. But in the Lord’s unfailing love He has washed us white as snow in the blood of Jesus. He has adopted us into His family and promised us an inheritance with Jesus. Who can understand the Love of God? No one can. But how eternally thankful I am for it! One day I will stand in His presence and be able to praise Him forever and ever in His glorious realm; rejoicing with all the followers of Jesus since the beginning. Until that day I will seek to bring His Kingdom here by spreading the Good News of Jesus.
“The LORD rules over the floodwaters. The LORD reigns as king forever. The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.” – Psalm 29:10-11
