The Insurmountable Obstacle

Glen and I recently completed our second section hike of the Appalachian Trail.  We started at a point on the trail in northern Georgia and hiked our way southbound to the summit of Springer Mountain (the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.) Then we completed the Approach Trail which ends (or begins, for those going northbound) in the Amicalola Falls State Park.

There were times along the path that I would take my eyes off the trail for a moment to look ahead.  Sometimes I was relieved to see the path turn downward, sometimes I saw an incline ahead.  Both prepared me for the particular stresses that direction brought. Sometimes, though, I would see what appeared to be an insurmountable obstacle in the path.  The operative word here, of course, is "appeared."

"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (John 7:24.)

Upon reaching the before-mentioned "insurmountable obstacle" I would find that indeed, the obstacle was on the path.  But there was also an area large enough for my foot to be safely planted.  I walked right by the "obstacle" with ease.

Sometimes we may take our eyes off the path the Lord has placed before us and gaze wonderingly into the future.  Perhaps we envision a life of ease and plenty.  Perhaps we forsee a life of difficulty and need.  Or perhaps we see an insurmountable obstacle.  Our looking ahead surely gives our enemy the fodder needed to present a temptation to us.  While a few may be tempted to feel their road will be so easy, they feel they can trust in their own ability as they walk step-by-step.  Others may feel the real temptation to fear.  "What will I do if that happens?"  What will happen to me if this person is no longer in my life?"

These thoughts and these fears can be very real.  To some they may present insurmountable obstacles to peace and joy.  The truth is, as we trust the Lord and depend upon Him to reveal the path to us, He will  strengthen and enable our walking upon the path.  Indeed, He will even walk each step of the path with us and we will find places just big enough for us to safely plant our feet.  In doing so, we find the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding" and "joy unspeakable and full of glory."  

Let us not fear the path, nor look ahead with dread.  Our Lord is with us, He is within us, and there can be no obstacle insurmountable to the One who flung the worlds into being with His word and sustains all creation by the power of His might.

"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure."  

(Philippians 2:13) 

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord,the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing."

(2 Timothy 4:7,8.)

La confiance dans le Seigneur pour avoir lui nous avons tous.

Trust in the Lord always for having Him we have all.