Navigating the Trail | East Fork State Park, OH
Trusting the Trail Markers
Faith | Nature | Hope | Trust | Adventure
Personal Antidote
For one special random spring day this past week in the beginning of March, the clouds cleared above Cincinnati, and the sunshine warmed the earth to a lovely 76 degrees. This only added fuel to a fire I had burning within me to get into nature, go for a nice long hike, and just be present to spend time ministering to the LORD in His creation. I absolutely love exploring new places and nature areas- especially ones that offer relatively longer hike options and some variety in terrain and views….not many in Ohio, but we make do.
East Fork State Park is located approximately 30 minutes East of Cincinnati…let’s just say, it gets really country really fast when you drive anywhere 30+ minutes away from Cincinnati. Nevertheless, as I was getting further away from the city and more into the country, I noticed the noise of my mind and prayers also start to quiet down a bit. Nearing my destination, the aim had also began to shift from bringing things to Him and initiating the conversation, to starting to create space for Him to step in to speak. Recognizing this from about 10 minutes out, I had turned my music completely off and finished the drive in silence, with windows down. Pulling into the trailhead parking lot, I removed my own motives and side of the conversation altogether, submitting, “LORD, speak to me and reveal whatever you have for me. I’m here for you.”
Well, He sure did. In His usual beautifully, creative and unique, and sometimes tongue-in-cheek kinda way. Strap in, it’s a fun ride…
Checking the bookmarked trail on my All Trails App, I intended to start in the direction on the 5 mile “Beach Trail” so as to go through the forest in the beginning and end with the “beach”. God had other plans right from the beginning. It turns out that I had actually started on the path heading for the beach first, the one that I meant to be the ending. Even with a map, the path in real life sometimes looks really different when it’s right in front of you; thus making it hard to interpret and sometimes, causes you to go down the path completely not as you had in mind. Nevertheless, it can still ultimately lead you to where you were meant to be. Me: “Haha funny one, God. Great lesson- got it.” God: “Just you wait. I’m merely getting started.”
Even with a map, the path in real life sometimes looks really different when it’s right in front of you; thus making it hard to interpret and sometimes, causes you to go down the path completely not as you had in mind. Nevertheless, it can still ultimately lead you to where you were meant to be.
Continuing along the way in that direction, I come to recognize, this trail is rather conveniently and carefully distinguished by paint marks on trees along the trail…I just had to look up a couple of times to see this pattern. Additionally, as more time and distance passed along, I had started to trust that those colored markers were indeed intended for the trail which I was embarking upon. This trust was put to the test when I came to the first fork in the road. A trail sign with the same “red”- the color of blood and love- marking as on the tree was indicating with an arrow the “Beach Trail” was to the right. So, I followed. The next key unlocked: “Trust the signs and trail markers.” The LORD started to draw a connection between these symbols and the signs and wonders of the Holy Spirit, and His voice in my life.
The next key unlocked: “Trust the signs and trail markers.”
Me: “Okay, amazing. This is SO GOOD! God, You’re so cool!” God: “Haha you’re only 1 mile in. I’ve still got plenty more to provide and reveal for you.” Whoah.
Very soon I came to a point where it seemed as though the path was going in the same general direction, yet some pioneers were eager to create their own short-cuts by veering off to cut across the river on their own. The more established trail continued on a bit further ahead and around the corner. Looking up to confirm that my direction was supported with a trail marker (I learned my lesson), I maintained forward progress on the main trail. Come to find out, that though this path took a little longer, had more of a gradual incline and even some additional winding- there was a bridge to cross the river, just around the corner from where I was able to see when I was originally contemplating taking the short-cut. There was a stable, steady bridge hidden just beyond what was visible, for the one who was obedient to following the trail markers.
How true is that for our lives? How often do we want to take the short-cut or path that other people get to take to avoid some of the process, suffering, growing in the extra steps? How often do we veer off in the waiting, trying to do things by our own efforts, when God’s already established a bridge for us to easily cross over an otherwise treacherous obstacle? I see the path on the other side, why can’t I just be there already? How do I even get there when it seems like there’s no direct or obvious way? Oof…that one hit me.
There was a stable, steady bridge hidden just beyond what was visible, for the one who was obedient to following the trail markers.
Between maintaining a steady walking/hiking pace for several miles and the oddly (welcomed) warmth, it was getting rather toasty. I also wanted to stop to write down these realizations before I lost them, and might as well have a snack and water break. He hit me with a one-two punch: Along the journey, there’s a time to rest and take in the present moment, as well as the importance of fueling yourself with adequate sustenance- bread of life and living water [John 6:35]. Also, it’s okay to shed layers that are no longer suiting you.
We cannot endure the entire journey without taking any breaks- neither is it enjoyable nor sustainable, especially if it’s a rather long one. In order to endure, we must spend time abiding in and with the Father; consuming his word, and drinking in the life that pours from the cross. Holding onto layers causes overheating and more exhaustion than what’s even necessary. Likewise, keeping people, places, things, perspectives, situations, etc. that distract and derail us in pursuit of intimate relationship with Jesus tends to be really difficult. Their role can be for a “reason”, “season” or a “lifetime”. Hear me, this doesn’t mean completely cutting people out of your life because they aren’t outwardly producing the fruits of the Holy Spirit; we’re called to be disciples AND make disciples…this can be done simultaneously. It means loving people with an overflow of love from the Father, while also having resources and community that helps hold you accountable in your walk and relationship with the LORD.
Along the journey, there’s a time to rest and take in the present moment, as well as the importance of fueling yourself with adequate sustenance- bread of life and living water [John 6:35]. Also, it’s okay to shed layers that are no longer suiting you.
At a certain point, I got so caught up with these revelations and relying on the trail markers alone, I realized that I had ended up off the intended course. At this point a little over 1/2 way through the hike, I should be walking along the “beach”. Upon referring back to the map, I am very much in the heart of the forest and off of the highlighted trail. The beauty in His gentle correction when He reminds me [1 Corinthians 2:6-16]: “you need to follow and consider both the map (word) AND the trail markers (the Holy Spirit); relying too heavily on one without the other can lead you to draw an incomplete picture and off course.”
Me: “So good! Okay, noted. Surely that’s gotta be it.” God: “I’ve STILL got more for you. Don’t underestimate me.”
There is beauty in building the habit of looking up from the path for the trail markers and becoming familiar with the features and details of the map- especially in “new” territory. In doing so, you start to be able to recognize a diverging trail from the one you’ve come to know rather well. You are able to look up, even when a trail marker isn’t there to indicate the specific way to go, but to see ahead and identify the path which you should stay on based on what you’ve grown to know. You’ve developed the ability to discern the path you’re meant to be on, so as to stay on it and avoid the steep, muddy, overgrown and misleading “short-cuts”.
2/3rds of the way complete with the loop and at this point, I’m walking on the hillside alongside the “beach”. What’s supposed to be the “view” isn’t much to write home about, considering the baron trees interfering with the view and the overall brown hue that seems to bleed from the trees, carrying the same coloring right into the murky water. Even here He convicts me:
“What if you only ever get to see the view through the trees? What if after all this time, the closest you get to the promise is walking right alongside it, but never actually in it? Is this journey, is My Presence with you along the hike enough for you? Is it worth it?”
This reminds me of Exodus 33:1-6 where God would let Moses lead the Israelites into the Promise Land, BUT because of the sin that separated them from being able to have direct relationship with the LORD, He wouldn’t be there with them. They could have the promise, but not the presence. Now, because Jesus has died as the Messiah and ultimate sacrifice for our sins, this separation no longer exists. Yet, the very concept can still be considered today. Is it worth it to have the view, but not His presence? For me today, the answer is an easy and very clear “no”. But, in all vulnerability, it has required many years of wrestling, rebellion, obedience and surrendering my own will to His ultimate will and purpose for me; to which He still tests me and is continuously refining me.
The length of the trail can be long and require endurance, and may take 90% of the hike to even get to a place where you can somewhat see a “view”. What’s more, the “view” could be completely different from anything we expect or imagine. Is it worth it? If we’re only focused on the outcome/promise, then it’s not. However, if we enjoy the journey, keeping our eyes on the Father and trusting His guidance along the way, it makes the entire journey more fulfilling and valuable than merely going for the “view” itself. Hopefully our lives are long journeys themselves. We’re not designed to be on this earth just to grow up, get a job, get married, have a family, work hard and chase money until we die. The fulfilling part comes from living a life in Jesus and pursuing the Kingdom; choosing to worship even through the pain and suffering of this world.
At the end, it’s not about how you look outwardly- you’re going to be tired, worn, sweaty and muddy with your hair in disarray after fighting some stray branches. But really, it’s about what you’ve walked through and how you did it; and even who you’ve done it/experienced it with. If you’re in Christ, then you’re already a champion!
I hope you know how much I appreciate you for taking the time to consider the Lord’s truth to you through my ramblings. Whether this is the first time you’ve heard these things, or the millionth, I pray you are able to gain a new viewpoint and experience revelation yourself. Open your mind to the possibilities that are available when you get outside and explore.
With love + blessings,
Brittany