Realizing My Limits

Realizing My Limits  

My journeys along the outdoor trails have taught me that I have limits to what I can accomplish with my own power and energy. 

When I was around thirty years of age and backpacking with a heavy pack over a tough section of the Appalachian Trail, I hiked 21 miles one day; starting early and arriving at my camp site as the sun was setting.  I was totally exhausted and could hardly prepare a meal and set up a shelter before darkness closed in on my campsite. 

Some twenty years later, to celebrate my 50^th birthday I hiked the Grand Canyon accompanied by my youngest son and one of his buddies.  We planned the hike so that we could go down and out in one day, and we did.  But I have to admit, it is probably the nearest to total exhaustion I’ve ever been on the trail.  The extreme 115 degree heat at the bottom of the canyon and the arduous climb up Bright Angle Trail to the south rim pushed me to the limits of my physical and emotional strength.  Although I thought I was in good physical shape and prepared for each of these journeys, both situations helped me to realize that even with training, equipment and preparation, there are limits to what you can accomplish with your own strength.

Likewise, I’ve often attempt to make my way through daily life without the needed spiritual equipment for the journey.  I’ve sometimes reach the end of a day feeling exhausted, perhaps frustrated, or unfulfilled simply because I’d attempted every task in my own strength.  I’d failed to rely on God and failed to use the equipment He can provide.

If we rely only on self in our life journey we will find that we often reach the end of the day exhausted, "flat on our back" and unfulfilled.  We need God’s “spiritual equipment” to stay on track and finish the journey.  We need a tad more than just what the old physical body and brain can provide.  Ephesians 6 gives us a pretty good list of the “spiritual equipment” God can provide for us if we will accept it and use it.

Ephesians 6:13-15    ¹³ So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up.

¹⁴ But to do this, you will need the strong belt of truth and the breastplate of God’s approval. ¹⁵ Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God. ¹⁶ In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. ¹⁷ And you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God.

¹⁸ Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.

Lord, help me remember to get the right equipment before I “hit the trail” each day.

Now, let’s ramble!