Appalachian Trail Devotional #3

 Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

Philippians 2:14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing.

 So far, I’ve only hiked 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail, but I am well aware of its epic reputation. The AT is the longest hiking trail in the world, at 2193.3 miles. It begins in Springer Mountain, Georgia and meanders north through the mountainous sections of 14 states until it ends at the top of Mount Katahdin in Maine.  The idea of a multi-state uninterrupted hiking trail along the east coast was proposed in 1921 and the trail was completed in 1937. If you hike the entire AT, it is said that you will take over 5 million steps and climb the equivalent of Mount Everest… sixteen times.

As I hiked the trail, I often struggled.  The terrain was unpredictable and I often found myself exhausted and sore, facing yet another obstacle- whether it be a steep ascent, an ankle-trashing rock field or even drenching rain.  Frankly, it was really easy to get discouraged. But in those moments, I had a simple yet profound thought that really helped me. And the thought went something like this.

“This trail has been here for 85 years.  The people who built this trail knew what they were doing. If there was an easier way, they would have found it. If I want to get to Pennsylvania, there’s only one way and it’s down this path. You can do this! Stop whining and keep walking….”

Somehow, knowing that the path had been there a very long time, was the best possible path available and would surely lead to my destination, helped me. So, when I painfully stubbed my toe on a protruding rock or came to a steep climb or treacherous descent, I didn’t’ say, “That’s not fair!” or “Why does this have to be so hard?” No, that was just a part of the path.  Thousands have passed this way before; thousands will come after me.  These challenges are just part of the journey. We’re in the mountains. Take it in stride. Follow the path, you’ll reach your destination.

I think you probably see where this is going…

At some point, while walking, God smacked me upside the head and I realized, that the same is true for my life. The Bible teaches that God has a plan for me that has been laid out in eternity past (Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10), way more than 85 years. It’s a good plan; the best possible plan that reflects His heart.  God is good, wise and kind… I can trust that his path is the best possible route through the mountains.  But that trail can lead through some pretty rugged terrain. In life, there are steep climbs and treacherous descents.  Rocks will trip me up and chilling rains may soak me.  But if I faithfully follow the path, it will surely lead me to my destination.

I realized, in that moment, that I had more faith in the planners of the Appalachian Trail than I do in the Creator of the Universe.  In life, I often question God’s wisdom, I complain about the rocks on the path or second guess why it’s raining or why things are so hard.  And when the path gets rough or takes unexpected turns, I sometimes doubt whether this trail will really lead to my destination. And for a believer in Jesus, that destination is becoming more like Jesus each day and ultimately arriving safely to our eternal home in heaven.

So, maybe right now it’s raining or you find yourself bruised and battered, picking your way through a sea of rocks.  Take moment to renew your mind.  God is good. God is wise.  The path has been there a very long time and it’s the best possible path to your destination.  Thousands of hikers have come before and thousands will come after you.  You can do this.  His word is true and he is will be your faithful guide.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.