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Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Paths (05/17/04)
TITLE: Walking My Path
By Karie Hobson
05/23/04
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Everyone has a path to walk. I particularly did not want to walk mine. I had made choices out of foolishness, ignorance, and pride. I was high in the mountains of difficulty. When I accepted God’s forgiveness, I thought I would receive a new path. He never promised that. I received new life, and the same path. Now, I have heard of others who have been given a whole new set of compass readings and the makings for both smores and hot cocoa. I have not actually met them, but I can believe it; for with God all things are possible. My provisions included a brand new pair of hiking boots. I was going to be in those mountains for quite some time. I had been given a Guide that I chose not to follow. I didn’t see the point. One more trip around the mountain? I could do that in my sleep. I had a lot of pride to “walk off”.

I thank God that He didn’t reveal to me at that time how long I would actually wander in those mountains. I had lived in mountains my whole life. The difference was that I was now expected and empowered to live in a whole new manner. Now, I didn’t say a whole new place. I have noticed that many times when the gospel is presented; it is more like a gos-pill. Take one and your whole life will be perfect. I have never seen that.

I have a pastor who always encourages us with these words, “Everyone is a ten somewhere.” In this he means that everyone is gifted uniquely and we need to find that place and fulfill our purpose. I translate it to “We all need to walk the path set before us.” God’s gift to me was hiking boots. He didn’t expect me to be a ballet dancer. He wants me to use the gifts that I have to do the work He’s given me. In the beginning, I felt ashamed of the places my walk had taken me, of the experiences, of the pain. Now, I thank God that He was able to take the difficulties and turn them into bridges for others to navigate over. What I have learned through this walk is simple. Christ went down the path before me. Others will travel this path after me. I can choose to stay on the path as a guide through the rough spots, wander around aimlessly, or sit in the middle of the path and make it difficult for others to get through. I choose to walk.

Like the song says:
I will walk the path
I’ll run the race,
And I will never be the same again......