My husband enjoys backpacking and hiking. Recently, he and a friend undertook a 100 mile through-hike challenge. They trained for months; tweaking their supplies to make sure they were reaching an optimal weight for their packs. Finding this ratio of what you will need, versus not being without something vital to your survival, is crucial for a successful journey. For 6 days they hiked the wilderness, up and down mountains, crossing rivers, and sleeping in hammocks. When we picked them up at their final destination, you could visibly see the toll this endeavor had taken on their bodies. The last 3 days had not provided many spots to replenish their water supplies; and on top of that, one of their water filtering devices had failed. My husband admitted that the heat had robbed him of his appetite and his pack still contained much of the weight from food as when they started the week. We got them cooled off, washed up, and vital nutrients in their system. At dinner they debated whether or not they could officially call themselves “through hikers.” The English language, being complicated as it is, made me think how one could say they are through hiking and it mean either committing to a journey from beginning to end, or they are throwing in the towel and quitting. Now that they were safely returned, their ordeal led me in inspiration of how our spiritual journeys can be similar.
I thought back to their months of preparation, and them mapping out each leg of the trip only to find that planning somewhat deficient when met with reality. It brought to mind Proverbs 16: 9, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (NLT) It was good for them to build their understanding ahead of time, just as we should build our understanding of what it is to walk in faith. Yet, when theory meets application, complications can arise that derail the best laid plans. At those ties we need to lean into God for direction. It was good to hear that the guys said they would start each day speaking aloud the things for which they were thankful to God. That would help them to get their minds right and make the hardships, that they were sure to face, less disheartening.
“Dear brothers and sister, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2 NLT
The importance of water on a long, hot journey is paramount. According to a Mayo Clinic article on dehydration, even mild cases can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.* When backpacking through the wilderness, these symptoms could make an already intense situation worse. During their regular search for water my husband had to filter some sources that were brown and undesirable. However, he was happy to also find areas where springs would flow from rocky walls. How great a joy to see the words of the Psalmist in their time of need. “He turned the rock into a pool of water; yes, a spring of water flowed from solid rock.” Psalm 114:8 (NLT) Clean water in the wilderness is like a shining oasis to a dehydrated body and spirit. You may feel the fatigue or confusion on your faith journey, but God provides refreshment when you seek Him.
The other thing that makes our journeys difficult is how much we carry with us. For my husband, the amount of things they thought they had to have became the weight that made finishing so much harder. In our spiritual backpack—holding things we can’t lay down or let go of—are those items really for your good, or do they hinder your progress? Guilt, hurt, control, fear of being without; these are things that wear us down as the journey stretches on.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light'” Matthew 1:28-30 NLT
Maybe it’s time to reassess the things you have packed that hinder your success on life’s journey. Are there things you still carry that are weighing you down? This could be the difference between you proclaiming “I am through hiking,” (dedicated to seeing this through to the final end) or “I am through hiking!” (deciding it’s too hard and giving up) There’s someone on the trail with you. Give those things over to God, lay them down and do not pick them back up. God is big enough to see you through.
reference:
*https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086
Author Dellaca Ferraiz Reynolds 