Open Trail

I woke up this morning and before my feet had hit the floor, God was speaking to me. His words to me were that he and I need some alone time. REAL alone time. Not me, my bible, my comfy chair and my coffee cup kind of time. Alone time. Solitude. Where He and I could be together and chat. To me, that has to mean leaving the house and getting outside to be with God and God alone. My first thought, as I could hear the gusty, roaring whistle of the wind whipping against my windows, was really? Today? But God, it's windy out there! Like 40mph gusts kind of windy! And cold, too! Any other day, I would jump at the opportunity to enjoy solitude and be outdoors with God. I don't really get along well with the wind. I hate walking, jogging or running in it and really didn't want to venture out in it today. I wanted to stay in, with my coffee and the subtle calm of my nice warm house. A quiet, empty house, I might add.  I argued with God for awhile and with myself. However, God was speaking! So, I decided (with God's insistence) that this was a PERFECT Friday morning to try a new adventure! An open trail. Wind and all! After all, I had been wanting to check out some trails in a different section of our local recreation area, so I packed up my gear and decided that perhaps a nice trail jog would do me good this morning. God ALWAYS knows what is best for me! I wish I listened to Him better! 

"Whoever has ears, let them hear."

 ~ Matthew 13:9

Friday morning solitude. Off to the open trail I headed this morning. To enjoy my solitude. My alone time with God. The trail before me, my physical gifts from God which allow me to run, and God's beauty around me. The rocks of the trail crunched beneath my feet and the jagged cliffs rose above me as I descended on the trail, step by step. Unsure of this trail ahead of me, so like our lives! Unsure of what is around the next corner or down the next step. I allowed him to lead me on this trail and I allowed Him to talk to me. I reveled in his Glory all around me. As I jogged, I looked out and saw the gorgeous lake with it's frothy white caps being whipped up by the February morning wind. Looking up I saw a gorgeous blue Colorado sky. The magnificent Rocky Mountains lined my horizon with purple mountain majesty. How majestic it was this morning ~ even in the wind. God had called me to spend time with Him. Oh, how he knew what I needed today! I felt so alive with Him leading me. He has called me to love Him and let Him lead, just as he calls each one of us specifically!

 

My open trail today that God leadeth me on!

 I often wonder what it is I am so afraid of. Why don't I let God have more control of my heart, my mind, my soul, my life. What am I waiting for? After all, he is my maker, my sustainer. The giver of life. When I let God have control of my life, it is apparent that he knows what he is doing. Life is suddenly more meaningful. More satisfying. More invigorating. God has me. Always! He knows when to challenge me, when to test me, when to cheer me on, when to let me glory, when to stumble and when to let me fall. He is the God of my life and I need not fear anything. 

" So I'm headed down the open road unknown ...
...And we find what we're made of
Through the open door
Is it fear you're afraid of?
What are you waiting for"

~Lyrics from "Love Alone is Worth the Fight" by Switchfoot. 

It is my prayer that I can cast out my fears and insecurities and give glory to God in all that I do, each and every day. It truly is a daily struggle to keep Him foremost in my thoughts and to give him thanks for all things, good and bad. In my daily walk with Him, I struggle. I struggle to give Him complete control of my life. Everyday is a brand new battle. I battle with myself to do the things that please God and the things that I know are right. I am human. We all deal with daily battles, but God has assured us that he is there for us. After all, he sent his son, Jesus to die on the cross for us. The ultimate sacrifice has been made and the price has been paid so that we can live in the Spirit and look forward to eternity in Heaven.

 

"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives."

 ~ Galatians 5:25.

The Spirit of God lives in us and longs to flow through us. Not just in our spiritual lives, but in our emotional, social, work, and physical life. Every part of our life is important to God. And significant. He wants us to call on Him and share our life with him. He longs for us to open our heart and let Him in. He longs for us to not only listen to Him, but to listen for Him. He is with us always. Open your heart and open your ears. He is speaking! Listen. Let Him speak. Let Him speak to you. Solitude. You and God.

Blessings to you, my friends on this windy February day.