2 weeks ago I purchased my large pack for the trip and have attempted walking with it for an hour a day. It is recommended to carry no more than 1/3 your weight so I decided to start with a 30lb weight in the pack*NO that is not 1/3 of my weight:) it’s possible I would fly away if that were true*. Anyway, while I was walking I was reminded of the verse in Matthew 16 where Jesus is talking to His disciples and says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Carrying the pack was/is not easy. All the weight is pushing down on your hips, it restricts your arm movement, your center of gravity is thrown off and everything takes some major getting used to. To be honest and to no surprise, I do not enjoy carrying my pack lol. Most days I don’t want to walk in the grueling Texas sun for an hour with 30lbs on my back then deal with the sore ankles, aching back and sunburns afterwards.
Romans 5:1-6 sums this journey up perfectly Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right timeChrist died for the ungodly
You see, even though carrying the pack is difficult and uncomfortable, it is worth every sunburn, back ache and blister because it cultivates endurance and perseverance. Even though the people on the trail sometimes scare me ahaha, it has taught me to approach life and people with no preconceived notions. Even though this short season I’m in is lonely and hard it is teaching me to rely on Him and dive deep into His words. Even though this season of singleness kinda stinks, it is showing me that His unmatched love is the only love I need. Whatever difficult season you and I walk through is another grace season to learn about and show His unfailing love.
Taking up your cross to follow Him is worth every pain, heartache and strife. It is highlighting my weaknesses and pulling up parts of me that need to strengthen, but it’s. worth. it. *That’s what the Lord has put on my heart and what He has been continually reminding me recently. Hope it encouraged you a little:)* Besides that, I am very VERY excited to announce that I AM FULLY FUNDED FOR THE RACE! This fundraising journey was just getting started when COVID took over everyday life and still, the Lord provided! Thank you again for your continued love and support! The Lord is so so kind.
