Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: JOURNEY (01/13/22)
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TITLE: Hiking with God | Previous Challenge Entry
By Louis Detweiler
01/20/22 -
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Ed turned to me, “Sit down Pete, and have a cup of coffee. A journey with God is something that can’t be explained with a simple yes, no, or just OK.” I sat down in the coffee shop, and we had a breakfast of waffles, eggs, sausage, with plenty of coffee.
Ed took a sip of coffee, “A journey with God is like a hike up Mt. SeeBreeze. There is a beginning and an end. But the journey is over rough terrain, fallen logs, marsh, steep hills, dense underbrush, but with stunning views.”
I settled back and let my sausage and waffle sit in my stomach, “Explain the beginning and end.”
“The beginning is when you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior, and you live for him. The end is death in this world. Once you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior then you will live forever with him in eternity.”
“How do we know where to go in our hike with God? The trail on the mountain has a path that is readily followed.”
Ed replied, “In our journey with God, the Holy Spirit helps us through the world. We don’t have a clear path, but we listen to God’s voice and the Holy Spirit leads us. We follow God by trying to be obedient to him as much as possible. We listen through our prayers, petitions, and his calling.”
I ordered another cup of coffee, “This sounds challenging. In my walk with God, I am constantly in prayer. I have temptations, discouragements, and troublesome times. Many times, I’m confused in which way to go.”
Ed laughed, “God rewards perseverance. We must persevere and lead the good fight. My wife and children depend on me not to make a mistake. I guide them by the path laid out to me by the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. God clearly gives us a truthful guide in the Bible. I read the Bible constantly, always trying to learn and gain understanding so I can apply God’s principles in my life.”
“I guess when you hit the steep hill on the mountain it is the same a tough situation on your journey with God.”
“Exactly,” exclaimed Ed, “We just keep climbing, getting stronger, developing character, and spirituality. By reading and studying the Bible we can reach a sense of satisfaction and peace and overcome the world.”
I looked at Ed as I ate a biscuit, “Are satisfaction and peace part of the journey?”
Ed answered, "That is what the whole journey is about, reaching peace and contentment by following Jesus Christ. We hike up the mountain not to slip and fall in mud, but to enjoy the stunning views of the valley and distant peaks from the highest outcroppings on Mt. SeeBreeze. The magnificent views resemble the peace, joy, love, and contentment found through God."
“Many people try and follow different paths than a journey with God. I know there are other paths up Mt. SeeBreeze. They all reach the top. Does God only have one path for us to follow?”
“Yes, Pete, there are many paths up the mountain, but there is only one way to reach God and that is through faith in Jesus Christ. Without Jesus Christ you have no path to peace, security, and everlasting life."
I asked Ed, “Are there any problems with this journey with God?”
“You will be attacked. Satan will attack at every turn. Satan will try to discourage you, hurt you, and block your path. The great deceiver will offer other paths, but they only lead to ruin.”
“How do you resist the devil.”
“Stay on the path with God. Find a group of people who believe like you and support one another. Join a church and pray."
I asked, “Will the devil ever stop attacking you?”
“Never. Satan will be with you until you pass this life. When the journey up Mt. SeeBreeze ends and your safely back home, Satan will always be trying to attack you.”
“Well Ed, I want to climb Mt. SeeBreeze soon. Now that we are in winter the trees are bare, and the views are fantastic. Let’s climb the mountain this Saturday.”
Ed responded, “I’m ready for that journey.”
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