August 20, 2005
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Wilderness The Journey
Introduction
It has been one week since we returned from our wilderness trip
to the Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada (see Google Map).
Therefore it is probably a good time that I begin to walk through my
journey to see where I've been and where I plan to go next.
Day 1 as we began our spiritual adventure into the wilderness
I was excited yet nervous, confident yet fearful. Not knowing what to expect
but wanting to learn about myself and others. Yearning for a body
to open my life up to so that I can know the power of God's body.
For I know that only through revelation of myself to others can true
healing and spiritual growth take place. It is an amazing feeling when one
can give his burdens to another to help bear as we journey along.
This truth materialized in many forms throughout the week as I
interacted with my brothers in the Lord.
We left these stone laden shores for destinations unknown more
alike me than any of us realized and returned as nine changed men for God.
While I cannot tell everyone's story I can tell mine. I can speak about what it was
like and how I already see it impacting me. I can tell you of the many wondrous
experiences and the way God's Word from Romans 12 changed us.
But I dare not tell it all for there are some things that
"happen in Canada that must stay in Canada."
Experiences that have molded each of us that they impress upon our hearts and minds
so much that to reveal them would be to desecrate and demean them.
We nine men now share a special bond that can first of all only be produced
by being apart of Christ's family and secondly results from facing trials
together as a community and family. Just read the book of Acts and the Epistles
and you can see how trials can shape and mold a community of believers.
Before this trip I felt relatively alone in this world with the
issues and fears I face in my life. Now I am assured
that I have not or will not face trials, burdens, temptations,
or anything that is not already common to man.
It is a great blessing to know that in this world I am not alone.
I can turn to my Lord and brothers and find peace and help.
While the journey I am on everyday may take me through
Valleys laden with the shadow of death I have no
need to fear for He is near and His servants are near to
comfort me from His Words and the trials God has given them.
I see this journey marking the setting of an yesterday
and the beginning of a new Son rise for all of us involved and out families.
Comments (2)
Good to see that the world out there helped the world in there. God uses the things out in nature I believe as markers in a sort of way to prompt us often to action or reflection/contemplation. Keep the eyes open and ears listening my friend.
Thank you for the encouragement. That was a great challenge. I will definitely be pondering the thoughts for sometime.
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