Depending on your personality you might feel comfortable or not improvising or “winging” certain things.
While a little improvisation here and there doesn’t hurt for the most part, and is in fact sometimes necessary, I think we can all agree that there are certain things that preferably you shouldn’t go around winging; such as flying a plane, performing a major surgery, or being a Christian.
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to check a big one off of my bucket list. To climb up the highest elevation point in Panama, the Barú volcano.
When the opportunity finally presented itself, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. To sum things up, it was a fourteen-hour heart pounding, cold sweating, breath gasping, thigh burning, knee grinding, feet shredding, genuinely fearing for my life kind of experience. All because I wasn’t prepared.
If I must be completely honest, I must admit, that it was as beautiful as it was painful. However, I truly wish I hadn’t “winged” it.
I had been advised to train before the big day, and even though all my intentions were to be good and constant about my training, more often than not I found myself slacking. Four minutes into the 7-hour climb I realized what a big mistake that was.
You know, the Christian walk, is a lot like climbing up a volcano. The path is full of ups and downs, preparation is crucial, and nobody else can do it for you.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
– John 16:33
“In this world you will have trouble” … thank God it doesn’t stop there!
To be honest, if it hadn’t been for the so very kind guide who carried my backpack, I don’t think I would have made it. The great news is that just like this guide; Jesus, our guide is ready and willing to carry our load. Even more so, He’s happy to do it!
We live in a sin- infested world. It’s humanly natural to feel exhausted at times. However, don’t forget that no matter how steep the climb, no matter how difficult the journey, Jesus is by your side 24/7/365 (366 every leap year).
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord”
-Romans 8:38-39
Don’t forget to exercise daily your prayer and Bible study muscles! “Winging” your spiritual life is never a good idea, preparation is key! 😉
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