Pushed Along by God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Eph. 6:10

 

My mom, my two girls, and I took a driving trip to Las Vegas, New Mexico last week.  The area is so beautiful, desert-like, with red, rocky soil.  The whole drive captivated me with the wide, bright, blue skies and luminescent clouds.  It is my favorite part of the country.  All along the drive in New Mexico, we saw spindly cacti that were blooming with beautiful, hot pink flowers.  I had asked God for a chance to take a picture, but it had not happened yet. 

 

One day we visited Villanueva State Park, which was a canyon, enclosed by two cliffs, 500 feet up on either side, through which a sparkling, clear stream flowed.  We hiked a trail that lead to some Spanish ruins and then headed up to the top of the cliff.  After we saw the ruins, my mom and the kids decided they’d had enough and turned back.  I was sorry they’d miss the view at the top, but glad to be alone with God.  The trail was very rocky, very fun to climb up and over the rocks.  At times the rocks were like stair steps, and other times they were tumbled all over each other, broken off from the layers of rock above by the wind and rain, fallen into my path. 

 

The altitude here is 6000’, and I had not adjusted yet, so I was breathing heavily. Once I started on alone, my thoughts were immediately turned to God.  I got the impression He was behind me, pushing me along.  I was hot and tired and out of breath, but invigorated by the awareness of Him, present with me and strengthening me.  I was having a great time hiking with Him. 

 

I finally made it to the top with God, and guess what I saw?  The beautiful cactus plant with the hot pink flowers!  He provided one for me at the top, a precious gift, waiting for me, that He knew would delight me. 

 

Having made it to the top, by God’s strength, in His Presence, overwhelmed by the breathtaking view, and surprised by the flower there waiting for me that I’d been searching for, I lifted my hands in praise to God.  I felt like I was on top of the world.  I was higher than everything else I could see anyway, surrounded by the wide, expansive, blue sky, punctuated by glowing, white, fluffy clouds.  I was so pleased to be there with Him, to receive His gift after the hard, hot hike.  Once again, I felt empowered by God, like I could do anything in His strength.

 

Thank You, sweet Jesus, for my precious moment with You, a time to be alone and worship you amongst one of your most awesome creations.  Even with my family constantly around, You answered my prayer for time alone with You, and in such a spectacular way.  Praise You!

 

Praise the Lord, O my soul…who satisfies your desires with good things.  Ps. 103:1,5