Lessons In the Waiting: Elevation Point

When you think of Spring 2020 words like pandemic, quarantine, Covid 19 and toilet paper hoarding might come to mind. Yet through all the chaos and uncertainty there are many lessons to be learned in the waiting. This time is a gift from our loving God.

I use a local trail for walking and running that has several different sections. There are hills that have long slow inclines and others that have short steep climbs and I’ve given each section a name.

The long slow incline I call the Sahara because it shifts back and forth and burns my thighs. The descent on the other side I call the Serengeti because it feels like I float across that section and I can view the whole city.

There are two larger hill sections that I call McKinley and Everest. The McKinley section has hills and plateaus while the Everest section is shaded which makes it colder in the early mornings and it’s very steep.

Along the trail is a small flat area in the valley that I call elevation point because when I reach that specific point I can feel the elevation change and I know the climb is about to begin.

This trail was created a few years ago and is not only challenging, but also protects those using it from traffic and has many scenic views along the way. I think of this trail as a gift from God and invite Him to join me each time I set out on a walk or run.

Just like this trail we have many different situations that are now on our life path through the current world circumstances. Some we float through, some are challenging and other really make us feel the burn.

The other day at work I was presented with another situation that is a game changer and I was mentally at elevation point. I knew that the road ahead was now going to be much harder and way more challenging.

As I tried to comprehend the implications of this new challenge I prayed that I would trust God for the outcome and know how to proceed. I received the following encouragement the next morning in my quiet time.

“Don’t fight against what you cannot change. Instead, rejoice in the knowledge that the Master of time understands your struggles and loves you with an everlasting love. Your times are in My hands. My holy hands are absolutely capable of caring for you and meeting your needs.” (Jesus Always)

He already knew the changes that were coming and He is right there with me at my elevation point and will continue with me as I begin the climb. I cannot change the situation so I’m not going to waste time or energy trying too.

Instead, I am going to move forward by following His leading and I am going to take on the challenge that He has placed before me. Because if He has brought me to it, He will bring me through it.

Likewise, we cannot change the current world situation, but we can choose to move forward trusting God for the outcome. We are not on our paths alone. He knows and He is already there ready and eager to walk those paths with us.

My Prayer

Father I am so thankful that You are all knowing and all sufficient. I’m not on my path alone. You Lord are with me every step and if You’ve placed a mountain peak or desert trail in that path, You have also make a way to get through it or rise above it. Thank you for Your encouragement and Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Psalm 31: 14-15

But I trust in you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my God.”
 My times are in your hands.