Hiking Mountains

In the last month, I have started a new hobby, hiking. I love to be outdoors and I needed to add more cardio in my life. Although it didn’t start out as a way to get alone with God, it has quickly become that.

I am out of shape. I don’t particularly like the cardio aspect of the hike. But each week, God has proven faithful in helping me get up that mountain. He helps me all the way to the flagpole on top. When I want to give up, He reminds me that I can do it, in His strength and not mine.

On my way to the top one day, I was praying “what next, Lord?” He began to show me that we always imagine getting to the top of the mountain, whether figuratively or literally. Once we get there, _____ will happen.  Once I get there, things will be great. Once I do this, I can see clearly. The thing is, once we get to the top, it doesn’t look like what we imagined. Once we get to the top, there is more to see and now there is either further to climb or more to endure. Once we get to the “destination” we ask, “What’s next, Lord?”

I am guilty of being hyper focused on the future and making sure my steps are aligned with what I believe my future should be. I don’t tend to live in the present. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?” (Matthew 6:26-27)

Lord, help me to live in the present moment. Settle my heart and give me the peace to know you will provide and take care of me. It’s not my own strength in which I live my life, but by yours alone. You have gone before me and prepared my path. Your plan is much better than anything I could imagine. What’s next is walking in obedience with you in every area of my life. Thank you for being tender, loving, and guiding, even when I question every step. Please settle my heart to focus on you and follow the path you have set before me. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

Author: Heather Cook

Heather Cook is the Women's Ministry Coordinator at VC. She is married to her husband Tyler and together they have 3 beautiful daughters. They have attended and served at VC since 2013. Heather believes in encouraging women to be who God created them to be. She enjoys being a listening ear and a kind word for those around her. You can find her at @heyheathercook on any social media platform.

3 thoughts on “Hiking Mountains”

  1. I am reminded of a spiritual Mountain I am facing. The rocks, the rubble and the incline are all the obstacles I must face which are worry, doubt and fear. Ironically I cannot walk properly at this time due to foot surgery but I am internally persevering to trudge up the mountain of Faith Love and God’s Grace. Haggai 1:8 “Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the LORD.” God is rebuilding my temple, sanctifying my soul through our Lord Jesus Christ

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