I looked up and marveled as the terra cotta butte rose from the evergreen scrub brush into the cloudless vivid blue sky and filled my view. I looked down to study the roots, the rocks and the red dust of the path before me. The sun was warm. The air crisp. It was a beautiful February afternoon in Sedona, Arizona.
While we hiked the local trais of Sedona, I felt the Lord’s Presence in the midst of the beauty of the landscape. Along the way, Holy Spirit showed me several lessons that apply to a life dedicated to pursuing a God-given identity and purpose. I look forward to sharing these “Lessons from the Trail” with you.
FOLLOW YOUR PATH
We took two distinctly different hikes while in Sedona. The first ran along a river bed and followed a very clearly delineated walking path. The second ran through the canyon and on up towards the majestic butte. While we were walking that canyon trail, we came across several cut offs which offered completely different hiking experiences. Most were not clearly marked.
We knew however that if we took the wrong turn we would find ourselves on a steeper climb than we wanted or a longer hike than we were interested in. “Follow Your Path,” I heard Holy Spirit whisper. How like Him to remind me of the very strategy I have taught for decades. I have often written about the unique path we walk in this life.
My path will look different than your path or that of anyone else. Not only are we uniquely made, God has a unique purpose for each of us. You alone walk the path that God has for you. Follow it. He knows the plan and the path for your life.
For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
The mind of man plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Along the way of hiking our path, God had more to say,
CONFIRM YOUR STEP
Several times as we walked the trail that ran alongside a creek, we needed to cross the creek using the stones that naturally provided a way across. Not all of the stones were secure. It required the use of my hiking pole, and testing the step to make sure the stone would not rock under my weight which could cause a possible injury or toss me into the creek. It is a slow process to “ford a stream.” I watched others go before me. I stopped and needed to map out which rocks I would step on. All while the water ran between, over, and around the creek bed.
Crossing the creek slowed the pace, but confirming each step across meant we made it safely to the other side where we could continue the hike. Following God’s path of purpose and destiny requires time and effort to confirm your next step as well.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us;
And confirm for us the work of our hands;
Yes, confirm the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17
Once God has given you a direction, it is wise to take the time to allow him to confirm your next step. He will use scripture, the counsel of others, a witness in your spirit, even supernatural signs along the way to confirm His word. Give Him time and space to do just that. It will ensure you can follow and stay on your unique path.
PAUSE AND CONSIDER
At one point the rocky wall of the butte rose to my left and we needed to traverse large boulders in order to reach the sandy path 10 feet away. I kept my eyes on the boulder face as I carefully chose my steps. Once the rock was traversed and I was standing on relatively level ground I sensed the Holy Spirit’s nudge to pause and look around at the landscape.
The paths were rocky, steep at times, and full of things that would trip us up if we didn’t focus on where we were walking. While my steps needed my attention, the Lord also reminded me that His beautiful creation was all around us and I shouldn’t walk past it. He instructed us to pause now and then and look up to appreciate not only where we were going, but where we had been and the beauty that surrounded us each step of the way. Holy Spirit reminded me of what I call my “sacred now”—God’s hand in each of life’s moments and experiences.
God is present in every moment of the day. He is available and often has something to show us as we walk the path and take the steps He shows us. Yes, there are times when we need to focus on the step we are taking; other times He asks us to pause and open our hearts and minds to what He is doing in the moment.
We so often get caught up in the day-to day list of things to do that we fail to notice how far we’ve come or to celebrate the beauty of a life lived in God’s Presence. There are times when God will instruct us to pause and wait, to slow our pace, or simply to be still.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10 NKJV
THE LESSON
Wherever you are in this journey of gaining a greater understanding of your God-given identity and God-given purpose, know that God walks with you.
May you feel the Presence of God as you follow your path, confirm your steps, and pause to enjoy the beauty around and in you.