On a recent hiking trip out west, my friend and I decided to tackle a major climb, deceptively called ‘Angel’s Rest.’ It was a 4.8 mile roundtrip hike rising continuously to 1,640 feet. Someone had the nerve to call it a ‘moderate’ climb. (Tell that to my pounding heart.) . Unfortunately, from the onset we were challenged. The trail began with rocks covering the first switchback, forcing us to pick our way carefully to keep from stumbling. After an hour of a steady climb, we stopped regularly to let our lungs catch up. During the 2nd hour, we were fighting fatigue and shortness of breath. By the 3rd hour, if we looked up, the top of the mountain came into view. Yet we still had several switchbacks to get there. Despite the challenges, we finally made it to the top; the stunning view making the obstacles a distant memory.
We all have goals and dreams out in front of us. Quite frankly, the list can seem endless. (Here’s a thought: Why is it every time we decide to lose weight someone walks in the room with doughnuts?) Let’s face it: when we decide to move forward there will be obstacles in our path. If we look up, we will find help. “I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121: 1-2, GNT) Sometimes our dreams seem so far away we’re afraid we’ll never reach them. “Don’t be afraid, because I am with you; don’t be anxious, because I am your God. I keep on strengthening you; I’m truly helping you. I’m surely upholding you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, ISV) Even with the challenges, we can fulfill our dreams. After all, we know where our help comes from; just look up.
Things to do today:
- Take time to revisit the dreams in your heart.
- Read a similar blog called ‘We Can Ask God for Help’ and listen to songs: ‘Hills and Valleys’ and ‘Look Up Child’.