Whispering Willows

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
— John 10:27

Mountains Quietly Call Me

From the moment I arrived at camp I felt the mountain call out to me.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? – Psalm 42:2

Our short retreat included ascending and jumping off a pole but did not include time hiking the butte standing tall above the landscape. The outcome I valued the most from this trip was to connect on a deeper level with new friends. My compulsion toward adventure could detract from the primary objective.

From a distance, I scrutinized the cliff walls looming high above the landscape. Familiarity to this type of geology led me to believe I could navigate a safe route to the summit. The east side sloped somewhat compared to the steep walls on the surrounding sides. The exact distance from camp or whether I would encounter a trail system was unclear to me. Expertise as an outdoor adventure junkie led me to believe the uncertain logistics of my quest would unfold as I pressed toward my goal.

Adventure is an Opportunity

Since becoming a disciple of Jesus, my escapades include seeking God’s peace, provision, protection and perspective along the way. Outdoor adventure becomes merely another opportunity to experience God. It’s a type of drill laying the groundwork in my heart and soul to seek and search for Him in the routine of everyday life.

The next morning I quietly slipped out of my warm bag to avoid being detected by the others in the bunk house. I picked up the day pack I thoughtfully packed the night before with the gear I would need for the morning’s adventure.

My meager plan included travelling as close to the butte as possible via paved road then bushwhack through the vegetation to the slopped side of the rock outcropping.

Stepping out in faith toward a new summit is thrilling. But, I’ve come to learn the real thrill comes in experiencing God along the way. Today would prove to be no less exciting. I trudged down the city road struggling to lasso my contemplations on worship rather than the ordinary facets of life. Recognizing my weakness, I started to sing the chorus to The Heavenly Vision by Helen Howarth Lemmel written in 1922 but popularized by Michael W. Smith and Alan Jackson. It’s a song I share with my two daughters when they are distant from worship, crying over this or that nothingness.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace.

He Determines Our Steps

As my mind honed in on Jesus and what He did for me, I felt a stirring to pay closer attention to my surroundings. I saw a break in the tall shrubberies lining the roadway. I peered in. There looked to be a pathway along a small creek. I entered through the narrow opening. I soon detected a trailhead sign next to the accustomed wooden box which ordinarily contained a logbook for hikers to register. I opened the box to find not only the logbook but to my delight a map of the Prescott, Arizona trail system.

I used the map to establish a new plan, one that included navigating on trails through God’s created wilderness following a trickling brook instead of trudging over the artificial asphalt.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. – Proverbs 16:9

After about an hour on the trail I came upon a fellow hiker sitting on a bench next to a historical marker who asked me, “Did you come up from the east side?” I answered, “Yes.” He responded by stating, “I didn’t think anyone knew of that trail anymore.”

Prior to our encounter, the signed trail began to turn away from the butte. I had limited time before needing to return to camp. As I studied the map, I recognized there should be a trail close by. It was not signed or marked.

I felt a nudging to once again pay closer attention to my surroundings. I turned back and within 50 yards I noticed a path leading in the right direction. I took it recognizing I might be following a deer trail. And to my delight I encountered a small herd of 10 does and their fawns eating in a clearing.

A Call to a Secret Place of Worship

The trail became lost at the clearing. I spent some time enjoying the company of the animals as they ate. In a charming yet unusual encounter they welcomed me as one of their own. Upon their retreat, I decided to go in the same direction. I soon became aware I might be on an actual trail when a series of concrete blocks with rebar holding them in place lead me toward the main trail which surrounded the summit of Thumb Butte. At the top of the man-made stairs I came upon the man sitting on the bench.

By this time I could hardly contain my worship. I was more eager than ever before to make my way to the summit where I could shout the glory of His name. These encounters with God remind me of how true His Word is:

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. – Psalm 42:1

Personal Application:

• Consider how you could use retreat in the wilderness as training ground for seeking and searching for God in the busyness of everyday life.

• Reflect on ways God has proven to be faithful to direct your steps in the midst of your insufficient plan.

Outdoor Leadership Application:

• Review Proverbs 16:9. Ask the group to consider ways God directs our steps even though we may have a well laid out plan. Have them sight examples from the trip and or from past experiences in their everyday life.

• Use your time of reflection to share your testimony of God’s faithfulness both on the trail and at home with the group.