I opened my eyes, tired from our 14 plus mile hike (we burnt over 3,000 calories by 11:40). Red and white lights were flashing all around us. Some Hispanic man was talking about moving rocks, and grabbed some of the guys off of the van. Some Australian lady was voicing her thoughts about being abandoned on the side of the road. “Grab your stuff and get off of the van,” some other man was saying. I grabbed my stuff while Megan was translating the situation. My boots and tired feet hit the dirt, more like the mud. It was pitch black. We made our way to the rushing river.
Let me interject. My team and I went to Machu Picchu! It met every single expectation we placed on it. It was not overrated or blah at all. Megan, Jenny, and I even got to climb up to the Sun Gate. It was unbelievable; we were completely awestruck. We walked 8 miles the day before, got to stay and explore Aguas Calientes, and rode a bus up to the ruins at 5:20am the next morning. Everything went exactly as planned. Except…
There was a landslide the day we arrived. The bridge and the road were washed out. No bus or van could cross. The only way to cross was on foot. Walking to the edge of the river, people all around me were voicing their fears and opinions. It was dark and the situation looked bleak. But I spoke up and said, “This is the only way; we will be okay.” Peace came over the crowd of my team and strangers.
We came up upon the river’s edge. Flashlight lights were crisscrossing over the water. The sound of the rapids was roaring in our ears. I grabbed Suze’s hand and stepped into the water. The first part was ankle deep; my shoes quickly got soaked. The second part had a stronger current and was about knee deep. I kept the people I was leading across upstream from me, so, in case of a fall, I could catch them. Feeling out each step we made our way across the muddy, rushing river. We crossed the third sections and celebrated our victory. People exclaimed how scared they were after the fact, how intense that situation was. I didn’t relate to those feelings at all. I felt peace throughout the whole river crossing; I wasn’t once afraid. Is it the Coloradan coming out of me? I cross rivers all the time, right?
We trek up the road to a herd of busses waiting for us. After a road side bathroom break, we approach the busses. Tensions were high as we negotiated a deal with one of the busses. Cursing and mistrust were all voiced by the multitude over and over again. Where is the peace? We finally mounted the bus, barefoot that is. I dozed off completely un-phased by any of the previous events. Maybe I am just pushing down and not acknowledging my fears? This could be a defense mechanism, you think?
Or was it God’s peace that passes all understanding that floods our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus? (Philippians 4:7) Jesus is our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6); He is our source of peace. So, when we are in Him, no situation here on this earth will cause us to stumble or fear. At least that is supposed to be His plan. We can be content in His safe arms and never fear and/or worry when things look bleak or scary. I wasn’t even scared in pitch black, no-where Peru crossing a random river. Now that’s peace that surpasses understanding.
Jesus is our source of peace. When we are abiding with Him, we can walk in His peace.
I didn’t even notice my level of peace until Megan said something. Once she said, “Did you notice how much more calm and peaceful we were compared to the others?” That is when I realized that it was so true. Team Fiercely Loved demonstrated so much more peace than the strangers from all around the world did. I pray that we were a testament to Christ in the middle of the river, clutching onto strangers.
In the spirit of Christmas, let me quote some of Isaiah’s prophecy of Jesus. Let it sink in. Baby Jesus was born so we might have peace, and so much more.
“For unto us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on
His shoulders.
And He will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of
Peace.”
Merry Christmas to everyone!
