“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 Most men spend a lifetime trying to avoid weakness. We work harder, push longer, carry more, and convince ourselves that needing help is a sign of failure. Somewhere along...
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 Most men think the test comes at the summit. They imagine the defining moment happens when everyone can see the accomplishment, the victory, or the result. But anyone who has spent time in the mountains knows the real test...
“For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.” — Psalm 66:10 Every experienced hiker knows there comes a point on the trail when the climb becomes noticeably harder. The terrain grows steeper. Your legs begin to burn. Breathing requires more effort. The summit may still be hidden from view, and every step feels heavier than the last. The summits along the Front Range of...
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13 Every man who spends time on the trail eventually encounters a place where the path divides. One route stays on course. The other looks easier...
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” — Matthew 5:9 Few things expose a man’s character faster than conflict. It can start with a disagreement at home, tension at work, a debate online, or a misunderstanding with a friend. The details may change, but the temptation is always the same: prove your point, defend your position, and make sure everyone knows...
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” — Romans 12:18 Anyone who has spent time on a trail knows that the biggest challenges are not always the terrain. Sometimes they’re the people you’re walking with. One hiker moves too fast. Another slows the group down. Someone misses the trail marker that everyone else saw. Someone forgets what they should have...
“bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” — Colossians 3:13 Every experienced hiker knows there are things you simply cannot carry forever. Ever pack too much in your backpack and regret carrying the load by mid-trial? What seemed insignificant becomes exhausting. You walk more slowly. Bent...
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” — Ephesians 4:15 Most men have a natural bend toward one side of the trail or the other. Some pride themselves on “telling it like it is.” They speak directly, quickly, and without hesitation. Others avoid difficult conversations altogether. They keep peace by staying silent, softening hard...
“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” — Proverbs 18:13 One of the easiest ways to spot an inexperienced hiker is to watch how quickly he reacts when the trail changes. A sudden sound in the woods, a wrong turn, or unexpected weather can trigger immediate decisions before he fully understands what is happening. Experienced hikers learn something different. They slow...
“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,” — Acts 17:26-27 Many men spend their lives looking over the next ridge convinced the real assignment is...