I’ve lived in Sudbury all my life, so for me it always seemed quite normal that there was a hiking trail less than 10 minutes away from wherever I lived.That’s also meant that hiking is something that I do a lot in the summer, some of my favourites being Kivi Park and Fielding. As I was hiking last week, I started to think about what I wanted to write this devotional about. And as I kept going, I started to think about how hiking is just like our walk with Christ.
When we begin a hike, we often step onto an unfamiliar path. We don’t know what lies ahead, but we take that first step, trusting that the trail will lead us to our destination. Similarly, in our faith journey, we often face uncertainties and questions about the future. Yet, we step forward with confidence, trusting that God’s guidance will lead us along the right path, even when it is shrouded in mystery.
Hiking involves ascending steep hills and enduring physical challenges. Likewise, our faith in God often leads us through uphill battles. We face obstacles, struggles, and trials that seem insurmountable. However, just as our determination drives us to conquer difficult terrains, our faith strengthens us to overcome the hurdles we encounter. With each step, we grow stronger, realizing that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.
As we persevere on a hike, we are rewarded with breathtaking views and hidden treasures. Similarly, our faith in God unveils spiritual insights and reveals the beauty of His creation. The deeper we walk with God, the more we discover His grace, love, and wisdom. Each step in faith uncovers a new facet of His character and deepens our understanding of His purposes for our lives.
Hiking often becomes a shared experience, with fellow hikers providing encouragement, support, and companionship along the way. Likewise, our faith journey is not meant to be walked alone. God places people in our lives to journey alongside us, offering comfort, wisdom, and accountability. Together, we navigate the challenges, celebrate the victories, and uplift one another in times of need.
The pinnacle of a hike is reaching the summit, where all the struggles and hardships are overshadowed by a sense of triumph and awe. Similarly, our faith journey culminates in the ultimate summit—union with God. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we attain the eternal reward of being in His presence forever. The trials we faced and the steps we took in faith will be overshadowed by the overwhelming joy of reaching our heavenly destination.
As we embark on our individual hikes of faith, let us remember that, just as hiking requires endurance, trust, and a reliance on our physical abilities, faith in God demands perseverance, trust in His promises, and a reliance on His strength. May we embrace the challenges, savour the beauty, and find comfort in the fellowship of fellow believers as we journey towards the ultimate summit of our faith—the eternal embrace of our loving Heavenly Father.
