These things I have Spoken to YOU...

Recently, a couple of friends and I went on a hike to a waterfall. It wasn't a long hike only a little over 4 miles. The first time I hiked the trail, I had noticed how smooth it was the first part of the hike. However, the last mile and a half the easiness had changed. I had to walk on and over rocks and boulders, and sometimes walked in the creek. Others walked on and over the rocks that were bedded in the creek to avoid getting their shoes wet. But since it was a very hot day and the hike was not shaded all the way, for me walking in the creek was refreshing!

As we walked along the way we saw people coming back from our intended destination. We  constantly asked them if we were taking the right path and one individual told us, "Just follow the path." I laughed to myself, because I wasn't sure which path to take. Those close to me, know well enough not to depend on me as a trail guide. I have no sense of direction. I get lost even using my GPS. Our dependency on hiking on the correct path was on the information from those who were coming back from the waterfall and by keeping an eye on those who were hiking ahead of us.

Since it was a hot day and there wasn't much shade for the first part of the trail, walking in or next to the creek was very welcoming and it took my mind off of the heat. I told my hiking partner how this trail reminded me so much of life in this world with Christ. We have our smooth spots and then the rough parts come along, but the Living Water is there to quench and refresh us.

John 16:33 says:
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."NKJV

This is the hope I hold on to every waking moment of my day. That in Him I have peace. I may not be able to control circumstances around me, but I can look to Him and have His peace control what goes on inside of me and be able to smile and joy because He has overcome my circumstances.

Just like my hiking partner and I depended on the information given to us by other hikers; we believed their report and kept on hiking because something in us believed it was worthwhile to walk in the heat, over rocks and boulders.

In my life I depend even more so on the information that has been written in God's Word by those who have gone before us. With so much uncertainty in this world, this I know; He has overcome this world and the promises that have been written I hold on to dearly. I don't always feel that "faith" feeling, but I believe that it is true and it doesn't matter what I feel. Because our hearts can fail us. But God is greater than our hearts and I trust Him and His Word. This is what God wants from us, to trust Him, to employ Him for those areas we lack.

1 John 3:20 says:
"For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things." NKJV

Yes, we did get to the waterfall. As I sat on a boulder surrounded by the majestic nature God had created; I was overwhelmed. I did go under the waterfall and as I stood under the cool refreshing water splattering all over me, I raised my hands towards heaven and thanked Him for what He created for me.

Psalm 23:2-3
"He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." NKJV

Isaiah 55:8-9
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."NKJV