It is that time of the year! Even though the Rain is at times torrential, vacations are still on the agenda and packing is in order. If hiking is the focus, be prepared and know the area from clothing to vegetation, insects to those animals who when they stand up can measure up to seven plus feet. Take plenty of water, for switchbacks are just ahead!
My favorite place to hike is Yosemite National Park and the back side of Half Dome is the trail. A steep climb awaits all who choose this path, and a number of switchbacks are first cousins! Switchbacks are sharp turns made in a trail, which look as though little progress is being made on the climb and at times the wrong direction is being taken. They also extend the distance of the journey!
Perfect weather made the day more inviting, and I could hardly wait to get started but was a bit disappointed at first by the number of switchbacks. They seemed to interfere with the climb. Being a regular jogger, I was in good condition and was anxious to get on with it!
Are there switchbacks in our lives as we climb day by day and year by year? What roles do they play? Do we need them as on the hiking trail of our lives? Let us look at a few Bible characters and the switchbacks that confronted them.
Job’s switchbacks? He was wealthy with all that he wanted then suddenly, a switchback. The trail took a different direction; he lost everything and then was visited by so-called friends who made the climb more difficult. Choosing to follow Jesus no matter the turns, Job decided to pray for His friends which resulted in a new heart (Job 42:10)! The switchbacks led to a new life with more than he had before.
Abigail, a dedicated wife to a very difficult husband, was confronted by a switchback that required quick decisions and coordination of a massive supply project for King David. As she allowed God to lead this switchback guided her to a trail that led to King David choosing her in marriage after her husband died. (1 Samuel 25)
Judas decided against the direction of the switchback that appeared on his trail. He choose his own way which led to betrayal of His Savior and an untimely death. (Matthew 27:5)
What about your life? Any switchbacks? The bills are paid, the car is running well, the job is secure, then there is a diagnosis that shakes your world! Or children are off to college, you are on that special vacation and a phone call, your home has been destroyed by fire! Twists in life’s trails, certainly seems like the wrong direction! What is your response?
Go to Him and cry out your need for Him! Pull out the Word! He majors in Lifes’ switchbacks, knowing how to comfort you and keep you on the trail, His plan for your life! We are not alone on this climb. In fact, the one who made the right trail through life’s switchbacks will not leave nor forsake you! Heb. 13: 5 last part.
From that Yosemite hike I learned that switchbacks play a key role in climbing. Time to meet others, time to spend with God, and time to increase our faith, all of this and we still reach our planned destination, Heaven!
We at Grace Abounds Ministries must have this faith. And it is substance and evidence! Hebrews 11:1. We are climbing alongside you! Let us pray for each other as we face the switchbacks of life. Please visit our website and remember that your regular donations of any amount help to fuel this climb, encouraging others along the way.
Recently we ministered at a large camp meeting in Kentucky where hundreds heard about Grace Abounds Ministries and its work for the Master! This fall God has blessed with an invitation to minister at a woman’s retreat with emphasis on surviving abuse and addictions. We are busy in His vineyard! Until next time… “Moreover, the law entered that the offense might abound, But where sin abounds grace does much more abound! “Romans 5:20
Switchbacks what a great topic that’s what life is all about One Challenge presents itself you get that solved and then another one pops up great topic you explained it well and your personal touch was exquisite congratulations on another successful Switchback