This Is The Way, Walk In It

There was a massive but no doubt beautiful snowfall this week in the state where our families reside. I called my brother and boasted about going swimming while they were holed up with 12 to 14 inches of snow outside their doors. My brother commented about how he loves the different seasons. Frankly, I was just a little jealous since I love the snow and I enjoy the changing seasons with the colors and smells that are distinct with each one. There is excited anticipation in the air as the fluctuation of the temperatures signal the change is coming. It is one of the things I miss the most about our stateside home.

It was probably one of those fresh tantalizing spring days or perhaps an early crisp cool fall morning when I was on the top of a favorite local mountain. On these exceptionally beautiful days we are invited to enter the life that spreads before us beyond the four walls of our earthly dwelling places. This quiet mountain trail calls for me occasionally.

The path to the top of this particular mountain is short but difficult. The gradual climb with occasional sharp inclines is hard on my body. My legs scream for mercy. I can feel the pulse in my head pounding with each beat of my heart. My mind fights urges to give up and turn back. As I ascend the mountain, what lay behind me in the flats is gradually put out of my mind as the focus becomes the path before me. The trail is ever ascending, the destination is unseen. Beyond each turn is found new mysteries of nature that reveal more of who God is. With each deliberate step new wonder and purpose fill my heart.

Eventually, and not without much toil and desperation, the top of the mountain is reached. With a sense of relief and accomplishment, I sit down to rest and peruse the dale below from whence I came. For several minutes I admire the view spread out before me thanking God for the beauty of His creation. Looking around at the vast valley, I can see familiar sights and the area of the city where my home could be found.

Home can be seen directly below where I sit and, as the crow flies, is not so far away. As I gather new energy to go on my way, I look at my home below where I would be heading. Recalling the drudgery endured on the climb up the mountain, the home I want to get to from the top of the mountain suddenly gives me an intense sense of needed refuge and rest. Though home appears to be so very close, in reality, the way back will steer me away from home and far out of sight of the end of my journey. My home was directly below me, so close yet so far away.

Though our worldly home promises comfort and safety, our heavenly home offers eternal life with God. Like the trek on the mountain pass, the journey to our heavenly home is met with countless obstacles. Hindrances of worldly allurements, discouragement from family and other people, unbelief, and even imaginary hindrances threaten to veer us from the way God has prepared before us. But we are not without hope. Just as God has prepared a place for us…

John 14:2-3 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

He has also made a way for us to get through the difficulties on the way provided…

Isaiah 30:21 And your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.

Though the beaten path is strewn with obstacles and difficulties, life teaches us that  straying from the trodden way finds us trapped by briars, thorns, scrubby brush and other things that block the way. Wandering off the course that is the will of God causes us more strife and injury than the way He has provided.

Though we cannot see Him, he is there, patiently and faithfully guiding us to the home where we will dwell forever in our Father’s house.