Preparing Spiritually
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:29-31
During my years spent hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, I have regularly sensed God’s presence and witnessed His creation. From birds singing beautiful and inspirational songs to spectacular views from atop mountain peaks, it has become obvious that this is not an accident or happenstance, but rather something crafted by the hands of our mighty God.
As I share hiking experiences with others, I often hear comments like, “Hiking in the mountains is just walking in the woods.” But I can speak from experience when I say that mountain hiking takes preparation. Attempting these hikes physically unprepared has led to difficult circumstances and disappointing results. Experiences such as muscle fatigue, dehydration, hypothermia, and intense muscle cramps motivate me each year to train hard.
In moments like these—literally stuck in the middle of nowhere, several days’ walk from our car, lying on the ground massaging my legs to release a cramp—I must dig deep. To pull myself out of these situations, I typically begin with a plea to God. The conversation usually starts with, “Heavenly Father, please give me the strength to carry on and make it to safety.” And amazingly, just saying those words out loud sparks something within me that brings peace and the energy needed to reach my goal.
Thinking back to a time before I knew Jesus, these yearly hikes brought on a very different feeling. I had prepared physically and done all the things necessary to feel ready for the challenge: strong legs, a light backpack, nutritious food, proper equipment—all the things I thought would get me through. One thing I overlooked, year after year, was my relationship with God. Without trusting that He was there with me, patiently waiting for me to ask for His help, I struggled my way through each trip with little joy or fulfillment.
Preparing spiritually is just as important as physical readiness. Incorporate practices into your routine that help cultivate a mindset conducive to reflection and spiritual growth. In times when you feel exhausted, like you’ve reached your wits’ end, remember that God is with you and wants to help you through your struggles. I used hiking as an example, but I truly believe this applies to every facet of life.
