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Sunday, March 26, 2023

Hiking In Zion... Beautiful, Beautiful Zion

Image of my feet hiking barefoot in the red sand with the caption, "Walk by faith, not by sight."

It's easy to lose one's footing on the pathway of life.  One misstep and we can find ourselves plummeting into the ravines of  despair, anger, addiction, or a number or.other possibilities. 

But God, He always makes a way. 

A few months ago I found myself hiking in Zion National Park.   The trail to Emerald Pools seemed rather crowded, but people were moving at a steady pace.  Suddenly, the trail came to a deadlock and fell silent.  That's when I saw them; a couple mule deer crossing the path and headed up the side of the mountain this  mere human wouldn't dare tread.  Then in the silence, I heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit speak. 


Pay attention dear daughter.  Watch how the deer step.  They walk in faith, not fear knowing I have made their footing sure. 


Looking at the deer I couldn't help but breathe a prayer of gratitude for God's provision.  The previous month I sure had lost my footing, but I didn't plummet.  Like the hiking poles that kept me stable on the trails, God used numerous supports to help me not only stand, but continue to walk.  He used people galore; friends, family, the body of Christ (which is a very special family), coworkers, and even strangers. He used nature to speak when the words of others didn't seem to carry a message that could reach my aching heart. He used random messages, memes, posts by others, and of course His Word.

 

Regardless of the medium, it comes down to two ways God keeps my/our footing. His Written Word and His Spirit. 


So often, I've relied on my own feet and not the supports He has given me.   While I may not have careened to my demise, I have been more sore and slower on the trail of life.  I have relied on either Word or Spirit alone in stages of my life, while I may be more steady with one of these poles, my body has been slightly off balance in the process- like only working out one side of my body.  But when I walk in step with His Spirit AND His Word, which He tells us is the Sword of His Spirit, all of a sudden I can go further, faster, and on more difficult trails.  I can even kick off my shoes and enjoy the dirt in my toes if I'm leaning on 'my poles'.  With them, I am strong and secure as I stand on the heights.

Today, my prayer is that whatever situation is on your path, you will walk by faith and not by sight.  Lean on His Word and His Spirit and look around and thank Him.  

This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.  


With Peace and Love 



 Actual photo of the deer on the trail in Zion NP

 







 

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