Strapped to my back is a parcel. It’s worn and dusty. Looking out at the tree line, I see it – the dark spaces that lie within that timber. Should I venture inside the hunter green forest with the tattered satchel on my back and shoes that have carried me thus far?

My possessions are damaged. They are not sufficient for sustaining me in an ominous forest.  But, my soul calls me to step closer to the trees that hold game birds – big and small. My heart pounds to break free, move forward and leave my self-sustaining articles behind me.

The trees call out and sing in a chord and harmony unknown to man. It is peaceful, whole and jubilant. Confidence beacons me to trust not in my own possessions – but in the breeze that fills my lungs and gives me sweet breath.

This spirit that sweeps over my body is all sustaining. He propels me forward into the unknown with the courage of a lion to walk in power knowing the muscle in my body is not from my greatness but from a Creator that becomes truly all powerful in the acknowledgment of my weakness.

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The God Who lives forever is the Lord, the One Who made the ends of the earth. He will not become weak or tired. His understanding is too great for us to begin to know. He gives strength to the weak. And He gives power to him who has little strength.” – Isaiah 40:28, 29

My little eyes to see— turned into saucers of his grace and provision; guide me forward into the foliage quite scary to the simple observer. And I step out in my weakness knowing that he who is in me is fiercely able and resilient. He leads me into the shrubs knowing full well that I will experience the foliage of his faithfulness.

Lead me on a journey to understand your full-bodied nature, sweet Lord! Let me stroke the mane of your endless splendor and witness the stride of your unmatched glory. It is you that gives my body life. Take my satchel of worldly things – and take this explorer to the mountain top to truly observe and absorb your wonder.