We set out on our adventure with one simple task; hike Table Mountain. Well that was easier said than done. Within the first ten minutes we were all feeling our limitations. Two team members recognized their restrictions and decided to turn back and left us to continue up the mountain. As we climbed the trees began to diminish and with them so did the shade, leaving us exposed to the strong morning sun.
As we continued, I started to notice some were having trouble keeping up. Although I felt fine, I had to be more aware of the needs of my teammates. Since I was in the lead as we hiked, I had to try to anticipate needs and look for opportunities to rest. This required a lot of communication, so that we could effectively work as a team. Those who felt strong enough carried bags and sacrificed water and shade for those who felt drained. We wanted to make sure everyone made it up the mountain as a team.
God used this experience to teach me several lessons. The first being perseverance; pushing through difficulties knowing what God has in store is greater than what we can imagine. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18.
While working through the difficult times, each step must be deliberate and carefully placed, especially while on rocky terrain. I had to be cautious with every step and could not be distracted by the views or I would stumble. I needed to focus on where I was; not where I had been or where I was going. I had to have faith that each little step forward would bring me to my goal. As Christians, we must be constantly moving toward God, following the path he has set before us. Knowing that the path he has for us will lead us to where we need to be, even if we can’t see it at the time.
As we continued to hike, I became aware that we all different capabilities. We struggled with different aspects of this hike, some struggled with the heat, others the direct sunlight and still others with the extremely steep terrain. Similarly, we are all at different spots with our walk with Christ. Some may struggle with stability on rocky ground, others may need more “spiritual” water to withstand the heat, and some may have experience and can help encourage and strengthen those who struggle. This is how the body of Christ should work. Understanding we are all at different spots in our journey and have different strengths and weaknesses, but are all seeking the same thing, a stronger relationship with Christ. We need to know what each other needs “…that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith…” (Romans 1:12).
Lastly, we all have limitations, nobody has it all figured out or can do everything without struggles. Sometimes we need to accept our limitations knowing that we were created for another purpose. We need to accept where we are in our walk with Christ, but strive to continue growing.
