Who knew that the most challenging task of your life could bring you the most joy.
“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” 1 Peter 4
For those who don’t know me, I am not an avid hiker by any means. After high school I became out of shape and haven’t really got back into any means of exercise. I enjoy hiking because of the beauty you are able to experience in the outdoors, but at this point in my life I prefer something for a novice hiker. The “hike” in which we embarked on was not novice by any means, nor was it intermediate or professional…it was about 5 ranks above professional in my books.
This mountain which takes locals about 1.5 hours to hike, took us about 5.5 hours. It was a maze of ups, downs and all arounds, steep inclines and dangerous slumps. We scaled the side of the mountain’s narrow paths and ran quickly past cliffs of falling rocks. When you thought there was no more uphill, you turned the corner to find yet another challenge. Normally, at this point I would expect myself to be in tears, in pain, angry, tired, and frustrated. Instead, I was praying and conversing with God. Do not think that I did not suffer or endure discomfort and tiredness, but rather know that the way I handled my suffering was not at all what I had expected. In my suffering I was able to reap joy.
“When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete needing nothing” 1 James 2
To complete that hike with a smile on my face has become a tangible example that with God, I can do ANYTHING.
Through this experience I have learned so much about myself and my walk with the Lord. I cannot believe that after 5.5 hours of suffering I was willing to continue just so that I could experience the intimacy I had been having with Him. Amidst suffering many people feel the furthest from God, or question His motives or existence; For me, I have learned that amongst my suffering I feel closest to Him. I can honestly say that I have experienced “footprints in the sand” as footprints in the Nepali jungle mountains. The Lord did not walk along side of me while I was hiking that mountain. He literally was the One who carried me. It is only by the grace of God that I accomplished what I did that day.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
