Month five: Nepal. There’s something that happens when you’ve already spent so much time on the field then realize you’re not even half done. It’s called the B zone. The initial mountaintop feelings that fueled you through the first few months have worn off. Now it’s time to make a choice… either stay put in the valley or start climbing to the next peak.
Before the race, I was excited about Nepal. The Lord told me I would thrive here. When I found myself in a valley this month, discouragement set in. I felt so much joy in India but was lacking it here. I still had peace but felt subdued. Once I realized this, I asked the Lord to restore my joy and renew my purpose. I wanted to hear some great revelation that would instantly energize me. Instead of telling me something grand and new, He quietly reminded me of all the times He was faithful to me during previous valley experiences. He gently whispered “I have been here all along. I won’t leave you now, just keep seeking me above else.”
Our first week in Nepal the days were long, full of walking, waiting, and last-minute changes. My ability to be flexible and calm in an everchanging environment was tested, but I felt peace like never before. The month one version of myself would have had a mental breakdown from lack of structure and quiet, but the month five me just flowed with the go. Opportunities to encourage believers and share the good news were plentiful. I was reminded why I’m here… difficulties are worth it for the kingdom.
The second week we traveled well outside the city to a small village where I was tested even further. The extreme heat combined with walking/hiking miles and miles each day pushed my physical limitations. The morning after we arrived, we woke to find that our footwear left outside on the shoe rack had been stolen. Among the missing were my lightweight hiking sneakers bought specifically for the race. Knowing we would be trekking the following week, I brought them along on this journey to the village. Thankfully, I still had my Teva sandals which I have used for hiking back at home. I was annoyed that my shoes had been taken but was able to pray that whoever took them would come to know Christ. Later that week, we were able to share the good news with several families who had never heard before. Seeds were planted, and some even bloomed before our eyes.
The final week was a dream. We had the privilege of trekking in the Himalayas. I can’t even describe the beauty of God’s creation here in Nepal. The mountains are magnificent, and if you choose to look beyond the ones in front of you into the distance, you can see even grander mountain heights towering up past the clouds. We trekked in the pouring rain, a thunderstorm, hail, the scorching sun, and through leech-infested trails. Our feet and legs were worn out and bleeding, but through it all I had joy. The Lord reminded me of His grandeur and goodness as we powered up each vertical pathway and safely descended each slippery step. We had the honor of sharing the good news along the way and saw five people decide to receive it. I was forced to rely fully on the Lord to sustain me during the trek and speak through me when we were sharing. He sure did not disappoint.
Maybe this is why the race doesn’t end at month five. You must get to the end of your own strength before you can begin to fully rely on the Lord. It’s hard to run out of steam, but this is where it gets good. This is where real change happens. The previous months were months of tearing down… walls of fear, lies I’ve believed, and habitual thoughts that were only harming me. In India, a foundation of JOY was set. Now it’s time to re-build with boldness, truth, and confidence in who the Lord has called me to be. It’s easy for me to see the changes He’s made in my heart already, but He wants to transform me into even more of a reflection of Christ.
I’m leaving Nepal hopeful. Despite losing my soles [hiking sneakers] and coming to the end of my own mental, physical, and spiritual strength, the valley wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be because I wasn’t alone. Not only was the Lord with me, but my teammates trekked right alongside me. Now it’s time to tackle that next peak knowing that my Heavenly Father not only has a beautiful view prepared for me at the top but souls to gather along the way. Month five: Nepal… where I learned to solely rely on Him.
So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.
2 Corinthians 12:10 TPT
