On a blistering hot day a couple of weeks ago, my dear friend, Tamela Salinas, and I set out for a hike up Table Rock. At first, we planned to go to the lookout that was halfway up, but once we got there, we got a second wind and decided to brave the strenuous journey all the way to the top. It greatly challenged us both. Let’s just say, the next time we do that I hope the heat index is under 100 degrees, and that we have a little more water.

My two favorite places on earth are the beach and the mountains. They both help to center me when my world seems out of sorts. When I am at the beach looking out over the ocean, my troubles seem so small like tiny grains of sand. It puts things in perspective. The God who created that vast ocean and the world beyond can certainly take care of my problems. The beach speaks peace to me.

The mountains speak to me in a different way. Being out in the beauty of creation where everything is teeming with life reminds me that God is constantly recreating the Garden of Eden for us just because He loves us so much. Just because He can. He is the Giver of Life. The Lord makes all things new. He means for us to continue. Out there you would never know that the world is wearing a mask and fighting a pandemic, or that civil unrest is burning our major cities down.  The mountain encourages me to push ahead in my journey, to become a better version of myself for Him.

The hike was a great time of reconnecting with my friend, as we both reconnected with God. The three of us walked up that mountain together. We shared as we climbed about how the hike was similar to our journeys in life.

One Step At A Time.

Table Rock is pretty much straight up. As we rounded the corners, often we would see the next huge flight of steps and it would be overwhelming. I found it easier to climb if I just concentrated on the step I was on. Looking ahead sometimes makes life seem too hard. There are times in life when God just gives us light and strength for the step we are on.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34              

Friends Along the Way.

Tamela and I have been friends for years and have experienced some of life’s struggles together. It is such a blessing that God gives us Christian brothers and sisters to help us and to walk alongside of us on our journey. I am very thankful for Tamela and all my friends that God has placed in my life.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

A Cool Breeze Around the Bend.

At times our walk got unbearably hot, and just when I didn’t think we could handle it any more, a little breeze would give us just enough reprieve to go on. God knows the exact moments when to send the little breezes along to help us gather our breath to keep climbing toward the goal.

“The Lord’s unfailing love and mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. The Lord is all I have, and so in Him I put my hope. “ Lamentations 3:22-24

Voices of Encouragement.

As we hiked along, we would meet people on their way down from the top of the mountain who would encourage us on our way. “It’s just a bit more climbing, then you will have a flat area to walk for a while.” “You can do it.” “It is so worth it!”

God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Because He loves you and me, He speaks to me through you, and He speaks to you through me. When He has been good enough to take us to the mountaintop and get us through, we should only want to share that hope and testimony with those who are following after us.  

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4

No Other Rock Like God.

“There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2

The more we walked, the more evidence we saw that Table Rock was basically just one big rock. Seemingly immovable. Unshakable. But there is no rock that compares with the firm foundation that is the Rock of Ages. Never changing, always reliable. The same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the Rock that we can stand on when we lose our footing and we feel ourselves sinking.

When the earth all around me is sinking sand, on Christ the solid Rock I stand. When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock. –Aaron Jeffrey

“I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”

Every time I hike in the mountains, I feel that is just what God does for me—He lifts me up, and sets my feet on firm ground with a new optimism for the journey ahead. After spending time with Him in His outdoor cathedral, you cannot help but leave with a heart full of praise for His greatness.

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah   Psalm 61:1-4

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. If you could use a lift in this time of uncertainty when it seems that bad news is around every bend, go to the Rock. He is always there. Just a whisper away.