A Rock

This is a guest post by Peter, whose trail name is the Bear.

While having a time of solitude on the shore of Black lake, I was on praying meditation with God.  There are 2 views coming to mind while examining this rock.

First, It still has many sharp edges, broken parts and dark spots, unlike most rocks on this lake, so different from rocks shaped by years of water, wind and ice.  Looking back at my life and journey with Jesus, although I knew Him earlier in my life, I am realizing that I am a strong-willed male.

I went to church, studied my Bible, prayed and worshipped God, but I still had some “private” parts to me and did not completely surrender to God.  My past life journey is exactly like this rock, broken and dark.  Ephesians 4:22 taught “put off your old self….” was a major challenge for me.

God knew me much longer and better than that!  I prayed “God, I am a completely broken man,

I need you, I want to surrender to you, please bless me and give me a new life.”

Also, if you study this rock.  It is like a footprint, like following JESUS step by step.  I will never forget that time of hiking on mountains with a 40 pounds of backpack and being very tired. Surprisingly, after a short break, meditating on Colossians 3:12-17, singing songs to God, I felt less tired.

Brent shared with us many messages during this hiking journey, the one that touched me the deepest was the invitation from JESUS “come and be with God.”  Ephesians 4:22-24 says “to be made new in the attitude of your minds. And to put on like God in true righteousness and holiness”.  How can anyone “to be made new in the attitude of your minds?”  It is to come and be with God!   Being with God keeps me away from sins, deceitful desires, I can be in true righteousness and holiness because JESUS died on the Cross for me.

Although Matthew 7:13-14 mentions “Enter through the narrow gate… and narrow is the road that leads to life…”. Putting of old self is very painful as I have discovered.   But Matthew 11:28-30 gives me comfort, telling me “Come to me,… Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls”  If I come and be with God.  I can follow him step by step with an easy yoke and a light burden.
I really praise God for providing me this hiking opportunity that made a turning point in my life and truly appreciate Brent, Ed, Bin and Tom who organized and arranged this trip.  The joy and knowing I am truly loved during the week on mountains are unforgettable. Thanks to God, all nine brothers and our praying and supporting team.

Bear hug from Bear!