You have not given me into the hands of the
enemy, but
have set my feet in a spacious place. Psalm 31:8
My
husband and I love living here in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We
enjoy hiking and camping and all manner of outdoor activities. While the boys
were young we always tried to set aside at least one weekend a year for the two
of us to slip away. Frequently that getaway took place in the mountains.
One
year, we decided to spend it camping in the Smoky Mountains. We spent that
Saturday hiking. We were trying out a trail that was a little more strenuous
than what we normally chose. It was a gorgeous fall morning when we started
out, and although the trail was steep, it wasn’t unmanageable.
We
continued along the trail, which became so steep I began to wonder how the view
from the top of any mountain could be worth this type of climb. As we neared
the summit, the trail was so precarious, ropes had been added to the rock face
to give hikers a place to hold onto.
We
let go of the last rope and scrambled the last few feet to the top of the
mountain. Suddenly we were standing on flat, solid ground with an amazing vista
laid out before us. We could see part of the trail below and the mountain we’d
just climbed. Also, as far as the eye could see, lay the gray blue outlines of
the mountains. They were highlighted with intense bursts of red and orange from
the fall foliage. It was a sight that took my breath away—and had definitely
been worth the climb.
So
often when we’re in the midst of seemingly insurmountable trials we forget the
resources we have in God. But He will always rescue us, pulling us up. Then
setting us firmly on unshifting ground, with a new perspective of all that’s
passed before.
I
encourage you to look up when things seem impossible, and let God move you to
solid ground.
God is so good like that. And, have you noticed that those hard climbs make for the best views? God would have us to hang in there, so we can gain the best view. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful story and picture. As we climb we look up not down until we get to the top. Walking with Him.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Janis
I have really come to appreciate this truth through the study of the patriarchs. It was only through their hardships that events could align to affect outcomes and fulfill prophesy.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is a beautiful thing!
Beautiful pictures Edie and love your thoughts about the mountains and trials we travel through. Reminds me of words to a song...when you're hanging by a thread, you can climb life's mountains. If you should slip and reach rope's end, you'll find the hem of His garment. So don't let go of the last thread of hope.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
You painted a beautiful picture, Edie. I felt like I was there.
ReplyDeleteDo you remember where you were? I'd love to share it with our kids.
I took both pictures on the Blue Ridge parkway, heading north from I-40. I'll see if I can find more specifics and email you. Blessings, E
DeleteThanks, Edie. It's beautiful and sounds exciting with climbing ropes and all ... not that I'd do that, but they would.
Delete