I stood at the bottom of a massive mountain and looked up to the 2,744 stair steps ahead of me. My stomach turned with anticipation and nerves. I had no idea if I could actually climb this monster, but I really wanted to try. I took my first steps, and it felt great. Around step 500, I started to feel my legs and my breath heaved through my lungs. I looked up again at the stairs looming above me and paused for a moment. I determined my next goal to be the next 5 steps and started climbing saying the phrase “Jesus, my King, I will follow you.” When those 5 steps were climbed, I started again, “Jesus, my King, I will follow you.” Before I knew it, I passed the 1,000 step marker, then the 2,000 step marker. My breath rushed through my body desperately, and my legs burned intensely, but I had a smile on my face as I meditated on the words I was saying.
A deep sense of excitement bubbled in me as I compared this hike to my coming adventures. During prefield training, we talked about suffering, loss, the risks we were taking, and preparing for experiences where the heat intensifies. However, each topic was also saturated about the truths of Jesus, the one I am following through the fire and storm. Even when we get caught in the storm, in the fire, in the pain He is God, He is good, and I will trust in His plan.
With those truths in mind, I made it to the top of the mountain. The view was breathtaking, the wind refreshing, and I felt the pride of completing something extremely challenging, a 2,000 ft elevation climb. As I anticipate my entry to my country, I have a growing desire to whisper the same words that got me up the mountain. Giving my allegiance to the King of Kings is powerful, but following Him to whatever comes next is pure grace. I must rely heavily on His constant provision, trusting that he will give me the energy I need for this next day.