7 Lessons from a Hike

Dr. Charles Stanley, in a pastors’ conference sermon, encouraged pastors to save their money and take their family on a nice vacation each year.  

When I heard that sermon on cassette tape, Connie and I had two toddlers and were barely making ends meet financially. But we took his advice to heart and started putting a little aside each month for an annual family vacation. It was good counsel, and my family has been strengthened because of it.  

Over the years we have discovered that we enjoy hiking together – at least, we enjoy being together and hiking is one way we can do that.  

On a recent hike in one of our nation’s 63 national parks, we found ourselves hiking up a moderately challenging mountain summit when a slight rain began. The climb had reached a height where it was mostly rock — but with steep drops along the side. It would have been a challenge if the conditions were dry, but made riskier when the surface became wet. 

None of us said it aloud, but we were all nervous about finishing the climb. At the same time, we were too scared to go back over the ground we had already covered. By the grace of God, we made it to the top and took a selfie by the summit sign before making it safely down the other side.  

While we were hiking, I could not help but notice comparisons to living the Christian life. Here are seven observations: 

1. We are better together. We helped each other climb over the larger rocks. We pointed out the best place to put your feet while climbing. We encouraged each other and laughed at each other when our feet slipped out from under us. Then we helped each other up. Christians need other Christians to get through life together.  

2. We will all stumble. It became painfully obvious that given the wet conditions and the slippery sloping boulders, it was not “if” you fall but “when” you fall, that it was important to land carefully. It was also inevitable you were going to slide and end up on your backside. Every believer will fall at some point, and we need people in our life who will help us when we do.  

3. The danger is real. At 1000+ feet elevation and steep drops to our side, we were aware of the risk we were taking. Sometimes in our walk with Jesus we are not aware of the spiritual dangers around us, but they are nevertheless present.  

4. Christian fellowship is sweet. During our four hours or so on this hike, we met other hikers going in the opposite direction. Because of the rain, one couple turned around before reaching the top, but they gave us much-needed advice. Another father and daughter had made it over the top and told us about a closed trail ahead, which proved helpful later. Another was a man in his 70s, which gave me inspiration to press on. We need to see other believers living the Christian life. 

5. Do not forget to celebrate. I am not sure if I like hiking or if I like accomplishing something. When we finally reached the top, we stopped to enjoy the view — as much as we could given the fog — and have our picture taken by the signpost. Christians need to celebrate the faithfulness of the Lord as He sees us through the various challenges of life. 

6. Finishing well becomes more important the further we go. Having made it to the top, we still had to get down to the other side, which was no small feat. In fact, in some cases, climbing up the mountain is easier than getting down it. None of us wanted to carry anyone else down the hill, so we were careful with our steps. At some point in the Christian life, we become aware that we are nearing the end and we do not want to mess up.  

7. Guidance is golden. While we were headed up the hill, there were small patches of blue paint every few yards on the rocks or trees to mark the trail. Once we passed a certain point there were piles of rocks arranged in such a way that we knew they were markers for the path. These guides were essential for our success and safety. As followers of Jesus, we have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to lead us along the way. 

God has given us all we need to live the Christian life. Sometimes He reminds us of that through a fun and simple activity. I hope you are thriving in your walk with God and His people — and learning your own lessons along the way.