Sometimes, His reminders appear in songs I stumble upon on the radio that move me beyond anything I've experience. Others are people in my life that have impacted me greatly. This time, it's a short story I read.
I have been working on a book with the constant guidance of my friend (some may call this nagging, considering she refuses to leave me alone until I read this book). It is called "It's Your Time Now" by Joel Osteen. This man has some stories. But one that really got my mind refocusing on what's important at this time is a story he calls "you are closer than you think."
Joel was in colorado and had planned to hike up a mountain side on his trip. When he drove out to a trail, a sign read it was a three hour climb. Joel observed his surroundings and began his journey. The first fifteen minutes, Joel was excited. He was motivated, because at the very beginning, the trip was easy. But the closer he got to his goal, half an hour in, he felt himself getting weak. The harder his journey became, the less he wanted to reach that goal. He was ready to give up. He didn't want to push himself any farther. He kept thinking “I have two and a half hours left to climb. I can't go on.” Just as he began to turn around and head back, a man passed him. The man said “you are almost there. You are closer than you think.” Joel was refocused. He was closer than he thought. He turned around and continued climbing. Although the sign said it was a three hour climb, he reached the top in 45 minutes. He was closer than he thought.
How many times have we caught ourselves thinking that if it hasn't happened yet, then why is it worth the struggle? How many times have we said that in our walks with our families? With God? Sometimes, our goals can take 2 years or 2 days. I am guilty of putting time limits on God.
In the story, the man gave Joel hope because he had seen the path ahead and knew what was coming next. God is the same in our lives. He knows what's lying ahead because He has paved that path for us. He has walked it before. As the Bible says, “we walk by FAITH, NOT by sight.” Even if we don't know what's ahead, we have to have the faith to know that God knows what's in store for us and that He has blessed us by giving us a path that will lead us to the summit, no matter how long it takes to get there.
One of my favorite songs out right now is What do I know of Holy? One line in it says "I tried to hear from heaven, but I talked the whole time." So, for now, I will stop asking questions and listen for the answers. Maybe God has been giving me the direction I need to make it to my summit and I haven't stopped to listen...
