Tag: hike

Take a hike

Take a hike with God by Mary M

We want to be in control of our lives. This has been an impulse and self control issue since Adam and Eve. We think we know best, best answers to questions, best opinions for everyone, best future plans. However, it has been proven those who think and act without seeking wise council end up missing key opportunities.

Proverbs 16:1-3 NLT We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. [2] People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. [3] Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.

Just as a toddler may get near a hot stove ( gas or electric powered). The glowing light of heat from the energy source may be visible as in a gas stove or glowing on the electric range top and at times heat seems invisible. The heat is still there under the surface of the burner. After the electric source has been turned off, the danger to get burned remains for a while.

My daughter at three years old learned the hard way, that getting close to the stove and touching the burner when it is hot can get you burned. Just like most of us, she made mistakes. Just as many adult children learned, her parents were smarter than she thought as a teen. Listening to a wise mom brings safety ;). I am not sure the impulse issues change that much as we grow older, it can still be a trap.

Listening to the wise Father God brings the best safety. At times, I have heard it said, “it’s no fun to follow rules of religion, it’s boring, girls just wanna have fun”! What we consider fun today can have consequences that last a life time. Ponder for yourself the traps that enticed you to temptation.

We each live and hopefully learn from our mistakes. When I have avoided pitfalls of impulsive choices, I have been rewarded.

“Good things do come to those who wait”. Self control is one of the hardest Christ like character traits. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control, are fruits of the Holy Spirit ( Galatians 5). I believe self control is the most important to ensure a successful God led life. Without it, we are wandering sheep with no shepherd.

When I look back on my life, I consider the distractions that I chose to bypass. I love Jesus and because I love Him, I want to walk in His plans.

I have not missed any fun things, I have been rewarded with great friends, likeminded encouragers who love Jesus too. I have seen and shared His harvest with others. So take a hike with God. In the end, it’s not about chasing the unknown it’s about flowing in His Ruach ( Strong’s concordance: Ruach means – Hebrew word for wind, breath, spirit) and being blown where He sees fit.

Psalm 18:30-36 NLT
God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. [31] For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? [32] God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. [33] He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. [34] He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. [35] You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. [36] You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.

Would you take a hike?

A hot, summer day in Colorado, my youngest daughter and I were running the usual errands for groceries, animal feed and spending quality time together. I was driving home on the interstate when out of the corner of my eye I saw a man dressed in Bible time costume dragging /carrying a wooden cross. I was traveling the usual 60 MPH, when the traffic slowed to a crawl. If this had not occurred, I would not have seen this man.

It was near 100 degrees with 50 percent humidity. I said to my daughter, “I don’t know who that is, but I am praying he completes the call God may have placed on his day”. I was especially concerned about the possibility of hyperthermia, dehydration and heat stroke.

You see, I used to be an Emergency Trauma Nurse. Once a nurse, always a nurse. Ask my daughter. I couldn’t get off the highway to hand him a bottle of water as there were no close exits.

I have often wondered what kind of person would take a walk carrying a wooden cross like Jesus? I assume a devout follower of Jesus on a pilgrimage or someone trying the spread the Gospel message of Jesus.

I was amazed when a few weeks later, a longtime friend, brother in Christ, who I hadn’t seen in over a year texted me. Chris texted, “I am thinking of you, Mary, and I want you to check out an interview I did at my church”. I responded “Sure, no problem, I will check it out”.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Pexels.com

I had been praying for my brother in Christ, Chris, even more frequently the past 18 months, since his wife Tracey passed away suddenly. This amazing couple served in church, in Bible study, prayer teams, on the worship team, in kids ministry and also on children’s plays with me. They are humble and use the gifts the Lord gave them for serving others. Many people have been blessed.

I am so excited to share his testimony with you. If you have the time, it is an amazing example of hearing the Lord ask you to action, like the Bible story of Jonah and his call to visit Ninevah. In that story, the whale swallowed Jonah and he had a testimony that is still shared today.

We never know whether that still small voice of God exists. In our human perspective, it is illogical. But God can do anything. Are we listening for his calling on our lives? Are there other people created in the Image of God that need to connect with you and see Jesus in your words and actions? It is convicting but amazing.

Would you take a hike? Chris made me ponder that question. I plan to listen with two ears not one, and to slow down for rest. Who knows, maybe I will hear the Lord speak. Onward and upward, one step at a time.