WALK IT OUT

I decided to hike today and since I knew I would be flying solo, I chose what I assumed would be an easy trail. The map rated it with 1 dot instead of the 2 we normally hike. Wrong!

Was I ever surprised...

The trail was shorter, that's all. It was strenuous, primitive, untraveled and unfamiliar.

Of course, this spoke to my spirit as I reflected upon how we embark upon this adventure called life.

Some paths we take may be shorter than others and they get us there quicker, while others are stretched out and we have time to pace ourselves. It takes longer, but we still get there.

Like this path I took today, some paths are deceptive; they seem the better choice but are more strenuous, primitive (meaning not many have gone on this particular route before us to make improvements upon it), untraveled and unfamiliar (we've not been this way before).

I endured spider webs, narrower paths, steeper climbs on the shorter path. I stumbled over something and caught a glimpse of myself in kindergarten. Thankfully, I recovered before the rest of my life could play out before my mind's eye.

Staying in that one place, though, was not an option.

I trudged on and kept looking for the signs - any sign that would confirm I was still on the right path.

I slowed down. I stopped twice, but I persevered until I saw it - the trail had looped around to intersect with where I had previously gone.

At that point, I picked up the pace and hiked the rest of the way in confidence and with expectation.

I knew that right above the next ridge was my destination.

What am I saying?

When you cant see your way and you doubt your surroundings, TRUST GOD. He will give you signs along the way. He will protect you from the elements that try to block you. When the webs of deception and the stain of sin get all over you, He will deliver you and clean you up.

If we persevere, we will get there.

Your destination is just ahead. Keep it moving and walk it out by faith.

I believe I will run on, to see what the end is going to be!