Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
This sign is a little deceptive. If I were a NOBO, north-bounder, I would be LEAVING North Carolina and entering Tennessee. I have been hiking the Appalachian Trail as a SOBO though, a south-bounder. So I am actually ENTERING North Carolina.
So why not take a picture by the sign leaving Tennessee? Because there was not one to be found. I checked. Twice. 😊
Now that we have taken care of that on with our topic.
When an ATer crosses a state line, that is BIG stuff!! It is a HUGE milestone that has an ENORMOUS impact on you.
From end to end the ATer’s adventure takes him or her across 2,179 miles of the best that 14 states have to offer of the great outdoors. You know when you cross a state line you have accomplished something remarkably significant. It inspires you to continue on, that you have what it takes to achieve an adventure of this magnitude. You know that one of the fourteen Goliath sized challenges are behind you. You take your picture, shout your victory whoop, do your little dance, fist bump those around you, and proudly step into a new state with a broader smile and a little more bounce in your stride!
These state victories cause the ATer to grow physically and more importantly mentally stronger. They boost his or her confidence. The ATer gains more and more experience as he or she watches one state after another pass out of sight in their rearview mirror: substantially enhancing the hiker’s wilderness savvy, tolerance of savage weather, faith in themselves and boldness to continue. Basically, the courage to face the challenges the next state and mother nature not “MAY,” but “WILL” present. All these transforming qualities are absolutely critical if the ATer is to make it all the way to and through the last state.
No wonder the Apostle Paul was inspired to say in 1 Corinthians 15:57, Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul got it! He knew what God wanted to accomplish in him and every gospel believer through the victories, milestones, He provides us.
Victories are meant to be viewed and appreciated for how they can transform us into a better, stronger, wiser person rather than how they can make us look good or improve our power, status, economics, etc.. Victories are meant to enable us to give more of ourselves to God and to others, rather than to toot our horn and get more for ourselves. Victories are meant to move us ever more confidently forward in life, giving us greater courage to face life’s challenges ahead of us rather than to stop and camp on the victory satisfied with whatever it provides us.
It is easier to understand these truths and appreciate them on the AT than in everyday life. The reason being is that on the AT there is little power, status, etc., that can be exerted. Nor are there any of these things to be reaped while you forge on through the forest. We are all on the same level, trying to accomplish the same goal. It is a lot like the Scripture says in Galatians 3:28 (NLT), There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. So all that is left is our continual need for one transformational milestone after another to keep us keeping on.
In many ways life is simplified to a few necessary elements on the AT. You are stripped of almost all your possessions, your comforts, your toys, your entertainment, your accomplishments, etc.. Everyone, regardless of who they are, where they came from, or how old or young they may be have the same goal; to hike the AT. They will all face the same challenges the trail presents and the elements produce. It is all about who they are now, not what they have or did. The trail places us all on equal ground.
It is amazing how much clearer you can see life on a long-distance hike when you are stripped of so much that this world has to offer. It is a big reason why more than a few ATers really do not want to go back to “civilization” after walking the AT from end to end. In fact, a few just turn around and start walking back to where they started, and several more hike the AT numerous times in their lifetime. I met a man in Virginia whose trail name was Grandpa. He had hiked the trail every year for the past 9 years; this was his 10th time!
How do we look at the victories that God provides us? Are we more like Nebuchadnezzar who attributed all his victories to himself and for himself (Daniel 4:30), or are we more like the majority of the AT hikers who get really pumped about how the milestones further transform and enable them to conquer the challenges and elements ahead of them?
God has saved every gospel believer to live a superhuman, unnatural, unearthly, supernatural life while journeying through this earthly adventure of ours. Why else would God tell us concerning the things that really matter, the things that will count for eternity:
- I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (ESV)
- For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 (NLT)
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
To live a life that counts for eternity God knows you and I need milestones and lots of them as we need the transforming power they provide right up to the day we die.
The only question is, do we squander these heavenly gems for what the world can lavish upon us through them? Or do we allow them to pump us up like the ATer who has left the world behind to reach for other goals; for the gospel believer, our Lord and Savior’s goals?
It might do us all some good to go on a long-distance hike for a few weeks or to pitch a tent in our backyard, locking the door to our house and things for a few weeks. You never know, you may experience a milestone that really pumps you up… for the right reason!
Faith Aids 