I DID IT!!!
One cloudy day with rain sprinkling onto my bright pink hat, I did it. A mile and a half hike in the Smoky Mountains taught me that brave faith is only one more step away. It is reaching a goal when you believe you can’t possibly conquer it by yourself. Increased stamina when you need it most, infused strength in legs that are ready to give out and an unwavering focus brought me to the end of the trail and breathtaking beauty.
I spent a few days in the Smoky Mountains before traveling to see my nephew graduate from high school. This time of retreat was self-imposed and oh so needed. I find restoration and renewal in these mountains and know God created this beauty to soak in whether alone or with others.
When I chose this trail, I had no idea what to expect. Immediately the path turned from hard-packed mud to terrain covered with deep tree roots weaving back and forth in intricate patterns. Boulders scattered here and there tried to block hikers from proceeding without success. As the trail climbed steadily upward, heavy rains from the previous days covered parts of the path. Streams formed and footing became tricky as I jumped from rock to rock. Let me set the record straight and assure you this is out of my comfort zone. I love to travel, but enjoy the company of others. This week God called me to spend time with Him. I needed to carve out time to let go of all that had been cluttering my mind, heart and soul.
Who knew that one trail in the mountains would teach me more about brave faith. I continue to learn brave faith is ordinary. It is trusting when you fear taking one more step. A faith like this grows exponentially each time you reach out to God to help you in the journey. On my own, I lack the courage and wisdom to reach the end of the trail. With God, I might still trip along the way, but He provides what is needed for each step.
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As i stepped gingerly along the path on the way down, God showed me beauty beyond words. He caught my attention in the rich greens of leaves, moss and ferns. Each time I rounded a corner, a new delight appeared ready for an “ooh and aah”! Each step down the mountain rhythmically beat out praise and thanksgiving. I also assured the people still making their way up to the top that the view and beauty was worth every step.
Before I left, my kids enthusiastically told me to enjoy myself. My sweet group of Monday night ladies warned me not to hike by myself. There was also something about bears mixed into that conversation. I began to question why walking out on my own was the best decision. Each opinion caused me to pause, but the result ended in these lessons.
Stepping out of your comfort zone leads you straight into the arms of Jesus.
Persevering, when one more step seems impossible, allows you to overcome insecurity and rely on God’s stability.
Thinking you can’t turns into believing you can when you rely on God’s strength.
Becoming secure in who you are provides an opening for brave faith to lead you on unfamiliar paths.
God promises to never leave or forsake us. Whether we are venturing out on a new trail or doing something ordinary like washing dishes, He is always there. That is the epitome of brave faith.
Where in your life do you experience brave faith? How have you stepped out of your comfort zone recently? Did you experience God in the process?
Sabbath blessings dear friends!
For more information on brave faith and perseverance, click here.
To dive deeper into your own brave faith journey, click below for my 31 Day Devotional.
I love all your photos and the lessons God taught you in this special retreat, Mary. Amazing! And so refreshing to the soul! I’m glad He kept you safe, too! I, too, love the intricate patterns God creates in tree roots. Love and hugs to you!
Your visits here always make me smile. I know you enjoy the photos because we share a love of nature. I am blessed God kept me safe too. There were plenty of other people around on the trail so I knew that I would be okay. Thank you for always cheering me on.
You ARE brave, Mary. And that’s a lovely photo of you. I love how God speaks through nature, life experiences, and beauty. I’m so glad you were able to have some time with Him on the hiking trail.
Thank you Betsy! Your affirmation means so much. I pray you have any moments this summer discovering how God is faithful in all you do.
So true! God will meet us when we stretch out of our comfort zone too, and I can see how this brave faith increases faith exponentially as you have written! Lovely photos too, and I’m sure the destination had beauty in it that included the internal beauty of you making it through. I know I have to get out of my comfort zone in some marketing areas to spread a message. Facebook live? Video? I know that is next but stretching me and still haven’t taken the step in doing it yet!
Wow, Mary, you’ve offered us a feast of learnings from your adventure, Mary. You could do a blog post on each and every one of those closing lines.
I love how you continue to say, ‘yes, please’ to God. You’re a spiritual trailblazer, girl …
Memorial Day blessings to you, friend.
Saying “yes” seems to be the easy part. Following through when you are in a time of waiting is much harder. God makes being brave was when we hold into Him as we are traveling up the mountain. Thank you for encouraging me dear friend.
Love this! Hoping to be brave in the Rocky Mountains later in June!
I know you will find brave faith in the Rocky Mountains and I can’t wait to hear all about it.
How wonderful that God keeps giving you these opportunities to step out in faith, Mary! I’m thankful that He kept you safe. Blessings on your Sabbath!
What a wonderfully uplifting post, and such lovely pictures! Such a gift this morning – thank you, Mary!
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/05/your-dying-spouse-315-victory-fmf.html
Love that God lesson, He is so good and the beauty He gives to us.
I’m so thankful that you were able to step away from everything and be alone with God and your thoughts for while.
There is brave faith absolutely radiating from this post. May it be contagious!
Mary,
First, let me say that I always really enjoy your photography…beautiful! Isn’t amazing what God can teach us in every adventure we embark on with Him. The key being “with Him”. Often, I forget and leave Him behind, but when we focus on Him we find that, like you said, being brave is sometimes just taking one more step. I always want to run the race in the easy, but familiar direction, but God says, just take a step….take a step with me into the scary unknown. When I do,like you, I find that God shows up in big ways to honor my meager steps in faith. Enjoyed hiking vicariously with you this morning.
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev xx