There is something about nature that can bring about a change and perspective shift in the human mind. Nature reminds us how intricately everything works together and that our God is highly detail-oriented. Anytime I get out in the mountains or get immersed in nature, my personal world becomes so small in comparison to the immense world around me. It doesn’t take long for me to start feeling lighter and able to breath deeper. The shift from self to God's world opens the door to clarity and peace.
My husband and I recently went on a little get-away trip, and we were able to go hiking in the hill country of Texas. As we made our way to the highest points of the trail we took in the water features, little flowers, beautiful rock formations, and the variety of trees. All along the way we enjoyed God's creation. Several times we stopped and took in the sound and view of the small waterfalls and streams, but when we saw the point where the smaller waterways joined up with the larger lake, it impacted me, because as nature always does, it spoke to me about God's ways.
I thought about my life and how so many paths I’ve traveled seemed purposeless to my life; but upon seeing the way the smaller streams ran into the larger body of water, it was like seeing a visual of how God uses our various experiences in life to prepare us and also to direct us to HIS infinite and greater purpose. I just felt reminded to stay close to God, trust Him, and don’t diminish the significance of the seemingly smaller or pointless paths He leads me down.
And so I now share the same with you, my sisters, that, just as the smaller waterways serve to sustain a larger body of water ahead of them, so do our life experiences serve to sustain God's greater purpose. What is great about God's ways is that every path He creates for us to follow is sprinkled with beauty to behold. Sometimes the beauty is easy to spot and sometimes we have to search it out, but it is there to discover and encourage us along the way. Every path is unique and every path God leads us on will be for our good to fulfill His higher purpose. If we trust His nature and the way He designs then we will be able to partake in an epic journey through life with Him.
Let’s keep trusting God to guide us and strive for our life to be counted among those who are called according to HIS purpose.
You ARE headed somewhere He has prepared for you.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
“For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Your sister in Christ and in love,
Hillary Wheeler
