Encouragement

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The Emmaus Journal
Higher Ground

As Disciples of Jesus Christ we are each presented with lessons in experience. Often our natural worldly circumstances are used as backdrops for rich and meaningful spiritual lessons. During these lessons the Holy Spirit initiates and cultivates the spiritual force to help us grow in maturity. We are all students in the School of the Holy Spirit and are constantly learning ..." line upon line, precept upon precept...". Here is one such lesson.

On a cold wintry morning, Hubby and I, decided to take our normal morning walk. Despite the cold, the sun was brightly shining, and the Michigan Blue sky was inviting us outside. Walking, being our favorite exercise together, is more of a time to commune and to communicate. Usually walking the same sidewalk path, the same miles, and the same pace to effectively enjoy the walk as a shared exercise. But, this walk was something different right from the start.


Just a few paces into our walking excursion we noted the sidewalks were treacherous! The previous snowfall had all but blocked the sidewalks; leaving a bumpy and icy irregular path. The sidewalk itself was obscured beneath it all. Each step had to be carefully planned and the pace was cautious and demanding. Picking our way through it all was an exercise in itself, that demanded ones utmost attention. It was literally an obstacle coarse. When a patch of clear sidewalk did appear, we soon found out it was deceptively slick and had to be avoided. At times we we forced to leave the sidewalk and walk into the snow along the side to try and find decent footing. This walk was turning into an exercise of discipline and focused attention, instead of the casual walking exercise we usually experienced. (This in itself speaks volumes pertaining to the spiritual that each can glean from at will.)


Coming to the halfway point of our walk, we decided to cross the street to the other side and see if perhaps it would be better for our trek back. To our total surprise it was infinitely better! What a relief to find a clear sidewalk! We could hardly believe the difference as we stepped up our pace once again and could walk with ease. Then the Holy Spirit nudged me! Again, and again, persisting to get my full attention. As I started to see and understand what the Holy Spirit was providing and what was transpiring, the persistent nudge followed to communicate it as well.


As my Husband and I communicated together and shared with the Holy Spirit, the vital lesson came forth. It was actually pointed out that we had willingly looked for another way to walk, since the coarse was just too difficult and exhausting to continue on. Then, once we had made it to the other sidewalk, we noticed it was actually on higher ground. Literally! The sidewalk, now on the other side, was lower in elevation than the sidewalk we had just crossed over to. It literally was a higher elevation and more protected; and that was part of the reason it did not accumulated as much snow. Plus, the fact that this sidewalk path had been better maintained. The piles of snow were off on the sides of the sidewalk and there were very few slippery patches to maneuver around. It was a prepared path, and it was higher ground.


As we had willingly followed the Holy Spirit's lead, we had unknowingly chose a "Higher Ground". A "Higher Ground" that was already prepared, and there all the time! Are you hearing? This is the exciting part. The "Higher Ground" by the Spirit is always there! As we are willing! It becomes a conscious choice, with the Holy Spirit to walk on the "Higher Ground" that has been prepared for us to walk. What a beautiful and powerful lesson was unfolding right in-front of our eyes. The Holy Spirit so mindful of our lives, and more importantly, our purpose within the Kingdom of God, had caused us to see this vital lesson.


What a difference this sidewalk made for our walk and in our pace once again. The ease of exercising and walking the way it is meant to be! We could walk side by side, keep a steady pace and communicate as well. All at the same time and best of all, WITH the Holy Spirit! All part of the "Higher Ground". As we communicated the differences and comparisons of the two sidewalks, the Holy Spirit once again emphasized the importance of the "Higher Ground". The "Higher Ground" holds great significance as it pertains to our spirit, our soul, and our natural body.


The "Higher Ground" is spiritually established because of Jesus Christ, as we are translated out of this earthly kingdom and translated into the Kingdom of God. We then become Kingdomly minded and not earthly minded. Setting our minds and its affections on the things that pertain to God that are not according to the things of the earth. This is where the carnal mind and the spiritual mind are separated and literally become hostile one to another. But, the Kingdom of God always exceeds our greatest expectations and always will.


The "Higher Ground" is also established within our soul as we are changed into the likeness of our Lord. No longer do we set our desires as the world dictates, but our desires are toward God. Seeking the Kingdom of God first in everything we then KNOW all our needs will be provided according to our individualized purpose and calling.


The "Higher Ground" is provided naturally also. Not as a prestigious event, but for the continual purpose of our life that is now in Jesus Christ. A mystery to some, a glory to others. We become as servants to all that we might manifest the Kingdom of God on this earth as it is in Heaven, to the many. We take on moderation as a garment, and virtue as our calling card. Our lives emphasize and portray a life that has been saved from destruction. Not as a show of high mindedness or lofty dictates that we have learned. We now know we are Ambassadors of a Heavenly Kingdom and Jesus is our Ambassador in Chief. From that time on the proof is in the pudding. For many are coming in the name of God, and in the name of Jesus. But, the final outcome will be made known to all, sooner or later.


The "Higher Ground" is a confined spiritual walk that provides more freedom and liberty as we are lead by the Holy Spirit. All for a Godly purpose and all directed toward our calling in purpose. The old song stanza..." a higher place that I have found, Lord plant my feet on Higher Ground..." rings true to this day! May it be true everyday for all of us that we walk on the provided "Higher Ground".


tgy
© C.L. Mareydt d23

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