Keep Walking
When you seek God's wisdom, where do you meet Him?
When I am struggling, I have found driving alone helps me connect with God, but lately I have met God along the bike path on the west shore of our lake (picture above). The Dixie Fire came through here, so a lot of our trees have been cut down, but the view is still incredible! I love this path because I see lots of random crosses along the path that remind me that God is with me. There is something about being in nature (God's creation) that draws me to Him.
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
I have walked our bike path so many times that I have begun to notice the different habitats along the path.
When you start out on the path you go through the grasshopper area where they are constantly leaping in front of you or at you. They quickly become distractions just like life's challenges. It's funny because I often think of the devil in this area because it seems he is trying to distract me from focusing on God.
When you get to the first mile you walk through the lizard alley where they quickly shuffle back and forth across the path in front of you. Then, just before you get to the three-mile marker you go through the ant alley where there is a stream of ants going back and forth across the path. Then of course, you have the geese who have their territory along the shoreline and the ospreys and eagles flying overhead and at times diving for food. It is truly amazing when you slow down and watch God's creation at work.
Isaiah 43:2 NIV
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
Friends, sometimes we just need to slow down and allow God to minister to our hearts through nature.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Do you struggle to hear God's voice? If so, I want to encourage you to keep walking.
One particular walk I was struggling emotionally, mentally, and spiritually and when I arrived at the bike path, I told God I wasn't leaving until I heard from him. By Mile 4 I said, "Lord if I have to walk 10 miles, I am going to do it, because I am not leaving until I hear from you." A half mile later as clear as day I heard "Are you ready to give it to me yet? You were never meant to carry this load, give it to me." I stopped in my tracks instantly and began to cry because that is exactly what I was trying to do. I was trying to do it all and be strong and I just didn't have the strength to do it anymore. I began to ask for His forgiveness as I walked back to my vehicle. God ministered to me that morning and helped me realize that I can't do life without His help.
I had returned home a few weeks prior after traveling to Michigan to say goodbye to my cousin before he passed away from brain cancer (he was my age). After his funeral I traveled to Washington DC to lead a workshop at the Bereaved Parents of the USA National Gathering in honor of our two-year-old son who had passed away in '98. What God made me realize is that I did not take the time to process my grief and all the emotions that go along with honoring our son. Instead, I tried to jump back into my role as a wife, mom and women's ministry coordinator at our church and felt like life was crumbling around me. How many of you can relate to that crumbling feeling?
Galatians 5:16 ESV
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Proverbs 13:20 NIV
"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
Friends, if you are struggling to hear God's voice, I want to encourage you to make God a priority in your life. So often we are trying to juggle everything by ourselves while trying to keep it all in the air when God is telling us to surrender it all to Him. He already knows everything you are dealing with and only He can carry that load for you. Talk to him, share your heart with him, and surrender to His will and if you keep walking, you will see him show up in amazing ways!
Psalm 119:105 NIV
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."
Written by: Jill Theriault
Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime
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