Even with obstacles, we need to keep going. I learned this one summer when my friends and I hiked the Billy Goat Trail in Maryland on what had to be the hottest day of the year. The trail itself offered its share of challenges with much of it covered in rocky terrain. We climbed over, then slid down, giant boulders on a regular basis. The sun beat on our backs as the flowing waters of the Potomac River tempted us from far below. One of the biggest challenges was scaling a steep cliff face along the Potomac’s Mather Gorge. Although we consumed water regularly, the weight of it in our packs seemed to get heavier as the day wore on. Despite the deterrents that day, I’m happy to report we kept going and made it to the trail’s end.
We all have obstacles that try to block our path: health issues, relationship problems, and challenges in the workplace. But we can keep going. God’s message is clear: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2 NLT) So often we waste our energy trying to figure out why ‘something like this’ would happen to ‘someone like us’. Instead of fretting about the problem, we need to trust in the one who knows what to do about it. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:4-5 NASB) Although we’re in the valley right now, we can keep going, because the mountaintop is just ahead.
Things to do today:
- Trust God is going to bring you through this current challenge.
- Read a similar blog called ‘The Battle is Yours’ and listen to songs ‘Trust in You’ and ‘Eye of the Storm.’