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Isaiah 55:9
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. |
I recently got back from hiking the Grand Canyon from one side to the other. My friend and I went off the beaten path a few times, and it turned into a 25 mile journey. We arrived with purpose, and our mission was to hike it in a single day.
The hike began early that morning before the sun started to rise. It was dark and foggy, and even with headlamps on, our visibility was very restricted. As we continued the fog lifted and the darkness began to give way to the morning light. We hiked for hours, stopping briefly at times to take pictures along the way. Eventually, we crossed the Colorado River and began our ascent out of the canyon. The terrain was steep, and our legs were continually becoming more weary and fatigued. I found myself gazing upward and looking intently for the top that marked our way out. I was hoping that the end of our journey would finally be insight.
Another mile was hiked and another 1,000 feet of elevation was climbed. Every time we thought we could see the top, another peak emerged behind it, higher than the one before. This went on for hours! I was tired, my body ached, and I began to wonder if the end was ever going to actually appear. I was ready to rest, but the path before us insisted we continue our journey to higher ground.
It was in this moment that I began to realize that this journey through the Grand Canyon is not much different from the grand journey of life. There is a path that He has set before us (Isaiah 30:21). We can wander off the trail all we want, but it much easier to stay on the course (Deuteronomy 30:15-19). Take time to enjoy the scenery and appreciate the beauty all around us. There will be times when we get tired and weary, but His strength works best in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Even when we face many disappointments, we can be certain that this, too, will pass, and the end will eventually be insight (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). His ways our above our ways! If we are going to see the splendor of things that we could never imagine, we must also be willing to follow Him to the higher ground. It is only there that they can be seen. (Ephesians 3:20).
Father, thank you for opening our eyes to your will and your ways! Thank you for your faithful hand of provision! Thank you for already being at the end, before we even begin, and for walking with us every step along the way. We love you, Lord! Amen.
The hike began early that morning before the sun started to rise. It was dark and foggy, and even with headlamps on, our visibility was very restricted. As we continued the fog lifted and the darkness began to give way to the morning light. We hiked for hours, stopping briefly at times to take pictures along the way. Eventually, we crossed the Colorado River and began our ascent out of the canyon. The terrain was steep, and our legs were continually becoming more weary and fatigued. I found myself gazing upward and looking intently for the top that marked our way out. I was hoping that the end of our journey would finally be insight.
Another mile was hiked and another 1,000 feet of elevation was climbed. Every time we thought we could see the top, another peak emerged behind it, higher than the one before. This went on for hours! I was tired, my body ached, and I began to wonder if the end was ever going to actually appear. I was ready to rest, but the path before us insisted we continue our journey to higher ground.
It was in this moment that I began to realize that this journey through the Grand Canyon is not much different from the grand journey of life. There is a path that He has set before us (Isaiah 30:21). We can wander off the trail all we want, but it much easier to stay on the course (Deuteronomy 30:15-19). Take time to enjoy the scenery and appreciate the beauty all around us. There will be times when we get tired and weary, but His strength works best in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Even when we face many disappointments, we can be certain that this, too, will pass, and the end will eventually be insight (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). His ways our above our ways! If we are going to see the splendor of things that we could never imagine, we must also be willing to follow Him to the higher ground. It is only there that they can be seen. (Ephesians 3:20).
Father, thank you for opening our eyes to your will and your ways! Thank you for your faithful hand of provision! Thank you for already being at the end, before we even begin, and for walking with us every step along the way. We love you, Lord! Amen.