I went on a beautiful, quiet, out-of-the-way hike yesterday. While enjoying the quiet, I began reminiscing about past hikes. I thought about a challenging hike. Many years ago, I was with a group, and we did a backpacking trip into the Havasupai Falls.
The particular hike that was on my mind was the hike out of Havasupai. After enjoying a few days on a backpacking trip in a magical setting, we were hiking out. The trip was so slow. We were a large group with many children. It was 8 miles out, and we got a late start. The group was tired after three days of playing and camping. And it was a scorching day. Everyone was very thirsty and drinking a lot.
At the base of the switchbacks, the last stretch of the hike, we ran out of water. Nobody in the group had any water left. The switchbacks were in full sun. We were thirsty and had nothing to quench that thirst. The group’s men decided to head up without us. The women and children stayed behind in a somewhat shady spot.
It took them a while. When they came back, they brought water! That is what everyone wanted. But they also came with more than enough flavored liquids, snacks, and a mule.
Our most critical need was quenching our thirst. The men didn’t just provide for our dehydration. They blessed us abundantly with the added supplies. They brought water, which satisfied our thirst. The juice and Powerade were not necessary, but they gave us enjoyment. They brought snacks to provide nourishment. The mule carried an injured woman and a small child to the top. Then, the men took as many packs as they could lug up the hill for everyone else. Most of us hiked up with no backpack or a much lighter load.
It was one of those moments in my life that I will never forget. We were in desperate need, and those who loved us not only provided what was essential but abundantly blessed us.
As I contemplated this further, I realized that that is precisely what Jesus did for us. He not only provided for our spiritual thirst, but he also provided us with blessings beyond measure. Jesus gave us flavor, strength, and comfort. He carries our load so that the struggles of life can be less weighty as we allow him to take them. We still must get up the hill. We may have to hike the switchbacks, but it is easier when we are nourished, hydrated, and carrying a light load. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful to God that I don’t have to get out of the canyons of life or hike the switchbacks alone.

“I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.” Psalm 145:1-3

I started hiking with a goal. I wanted to hike Rim to Rim at the Grand Canyon. On one of my training hikes, I climbed Piestewa Peak in Phoenix. I went with a group of people that were also training for the Grand Canyon. We hiked in and connected to the circumference route. We hiked around, up to the peak and back out and around the other side. From our starting point, we hiked 9 miles, including the hike in, the circumference and the peak itself.

I have to admit that I was nervous about the hike before we started. I wasn’t sure if I was up to it. I was also nervous about hiking to the top because it seemed dangerous. I was nervous coming down because I knew it was still about 3 miles out and it was getting hot. I was just scared most of the hike. I didn’t want to let anyone down or by a burden to others. I had to conquer my fear to accomplish this goal.

One phrase I mulled over on the way up the peak, was, “Do not be afraid.” I was nervous. It was a tough climb in spots. A person could easily fall and get hurt. It isn’t uncommon for our local news to share reports about rescues on Piestewa Peak. There was a well-publicized rescue this month. So I was concerned and a little afraid of becoming an injured person that required rescue.

I was also afraid because the path is narrow in spots, but there are quite a few hikers on the trail. In tight places, you may have to move to the edges where there are cacti and scrub brush growing on steep precipices. Getting poked or scraped by the vegetation is another risk.
People can be a problem. Not everyone hiking follows hiking etiquette. Everyone does not behave, adding to the danger. And my lack of knowledge, pushing my limits, and my human frailty can easily cause an issue.

Although it was difficult and I dangerous I am glad I went on this hike. I can’t describe the thrill and sense of accomplishment that I experienced when I finished. I was filled with so much joy and wonder when I got to the top. I was overwhelmed with a conquering spirit when I finished. Although I was exhausted, I also felt like I could conquer the world. I had made it to the top and back!

I thought a lot about this hike and how it compares to my journey with Jesus. I realized that in my Christian walk, I don’t push my limits much. I am kind of a couch potato Christian. The dangers, real and perceived, often keep me from going with Jesus on the adventure.

The times that I have ventured out of my comfort zone and tried something new with the Lord, I have been rewarded. I experience the heights. I see life from a new perspective. I am invigorated and excited to walk with Jesus some more. It is healthy for me to take risks.

I do not want to be a couch potato Christian. I want to hike to the top with Jesus. It may be risky. There are no guarantees that I will be safe. I could get hurt, and I may even require rescue, but the thrill of reaching the top with Jesus by my side will be worth it.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18, ESV)