Hiking Mountains

Hawaii has some incredible hiking trails. Most of these paths are steep and rugged, with magnificent panoramic views once you reach the top. One of the most challenging trails, Koko Head Crater, is more of a climb than it is a hike. 1048 steps made out of railroad ties take you from the base of the mountain to the peak--1083 feet elevation gain in just 0.8 miles.

I run 2 miles daily in about 20 minutes. My heart and lungs are used to strenuous activity. Before I started, I imagined that this hike would be challenging, yet interesting. Oh, it was that and much MORE! About halfway up, the two weakest parts of me—my knees and my mind—started wobbling. This led to the following internal dialogue: I don’t think this is a good idea. In fact, this is stupid. What’s the point of climbing up this hill just to prove I can? What if I fall? And even if I make it to the top, the descent is going be really hard on my weak knees. I’ll probably injure my knees and be disabled for the rest of my life after this climb. I should just quit and let my husband do this alone.

If it weren’t for my husband’s prodding (ahem, I mean encouragement), I probably would have given in to these self-defeating thoughts. As I trudged along behind him, I was reminded of one of my all-time favorite books: Hinds' Feet On High Places, by Hannah Hurnard. It is an allegory about a woman’s transformation as she climbs from a valley of fears to spiritual heights. The story is based on the following Bible verse:

“The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:19 NLT)

When we feel like we have run out of strength, we have two choices: We can quit, or we can rely on God’s strength. We can either give up, or we can give in to God. We can buckle under our fears and collapse into despair, OR yield to holy resuscitation. Before receiving a divine transfusion, one must be completely depleted of all human energy. When we are sure we can’t carry on, when we are unable to climb another step on our own—then, we are ready to rely completely on God. This supernatural strength empowers us to scale new heights without stumbling or tripping.

“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT)