I traveled along the Blue Ridge Parkway this past week.  It was the most beautiful and calming stretch of road I have ever traveled.

The expanse of highway travels along the Appalachian Mountain range, through Virginia and North Carolina, at a comfortable leisurely 45 mph pace and offers no distraction of cellular service making it impossible to ignore its splendor.

It is filled with amazing peaks, stunning vistas and gorgeous views.

It entices us to jump; to soar in God’s promises and His word is heard in its echo:

“they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”   Isaiah 40:31

And while we stand upon the mountain, our adversary uses those close-up magnificent views to turn our focus upon the rugged, daunting mountain set before us. He reminds us we are incapable and unable to walk the path that lies ahead:

“We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment…”   Isaiah 64:6

One minute we are on an incredibly spiritual high; we know what God has planned for us, our steps are sure and strong, the path ahead is exhilarating and clear enabling us to sit a while in His presence.

“but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”   Proverbs 1:33

Then at the next turn the shadows appear; our footing is slow and apprehensive, the darkness drifts in and the path ahead is questionable.

 

Each corner appears sharp, unsure and cold and we begin to doubt.  We question if we are on the right road after all; incapable of seeing through the forest, unable to decipher the way.

But we can trust in God’s promises.  Light will appear once more and the shadows will run.

“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”   2 Timothy 1:7

“He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.”   Psalm 40:2

Are you in the midst of a shadow?

Are you unable to see the way out?

God promises to guide and to lead.  Trust in His timing, take rest in His plan and you will again feel sure-footed and secure.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”   Jeremiah 29:11

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…”   Philippians 1:6