The Hike Of My Life!

I just read a favorite blog. The theme of her day was struggle. The difficulities that struggle brings are sometimes so big that to even begin to deal with the actual waring within is such a challenge.

When I read about Paul's plea with God to take away his thorn, I wonder, "How did he get to the point where he could 'delight in weakness?" God said NO. He said no for a reason. He was moving Paul to lean on Him. Backing up a chapter, Paul lists what he's been through. And God said NO?!?!!! Give the guy a break!

As I bring that picture into focus and line it up with my life's picture, I still question why Paul's was so crystal clear. Paul didn't have this big, leather-bound, letter from God, like I do. So what, exactly, am I missing?!????

I too, have asked God to take away struggles. He too, has said no. I asked God to get me to the joy part! He said, OK. It's a hike for sure! Mostly up hill! But I am enjoying the discoveries as I wind up the hill, stumble over pebbles, trip over brush and roots and slip in trickling streams.

There is no doubt that His strength is needed! But what about the joy? In this challenging hike, I have taken the time to notice and even awe over the beauty surrounding me. When you take in what God has created, you have to stop, and look and smell and feel. Sometimes we struggle so hard, that we have to take a rest and often, it's only cuz we HAD to rest that we actually stopped to notice.

I have had to stop and rest. I hiked through Psalms, Nehemiah, Corinthians...it was so beautiful! I took the time to find more! I have to admit, I'm not much of a hiker, but once I started on this one and got used to it, I just couldn't stop! Suddenly, the hill doesn't seem quite so steep. Wait! Is that joy I feel!

My circumstances haven't changed at all.
I am still jobless.
Our barn is still empty.
Though my wound of depression is healing, I still have to give God authority over it every day.

Nothing has changed. Nothing changed for Paul either. His picture was in vivid color. Mine was in black and white. At the beginning of my journey I saw only gray-scale. Slowly, as I journey with God, the color is filling in.

And you know, the colors will never really be true....not till the end of the beginning when I finish this hike and reside in the new earth with God himself!

I love this hike! Wanna come? I'd love the company!