Can’t You Just Carry Me?!

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21, NIV)

Kelli and Jeremy in the Grand Canyon

I love adventures. This spring my husband and I backpacked from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on a four-day trip. To make life easier, we selected a company to outfit and lead us. They took care of everything—gear, itinerary, permits and food. Best of all they provided us with Jeremy, our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.

From our first steps into the Canyon to our last steps out of it, we followed Jeremy. When he said, “Go,” we went. We didn’t plan our day or worry what we’d eat or where we’d rest. He took us on side hikes to waterfalls and caves only insiders know about. He prepared delicious meals. He entertained us with Indian lore. And he even bandaged my blistered feet.

We trusted his guidance and relied on him to keep us safe from the myriad Canyon dangers like heat stroke, dehydration, flash floods and poisonous snakes. (During our trip at least twelve people were emergency air-evacuated out of the canyon for physical reasons.)

While our four days in the Canyon were indeed difficult—I had the aching muscles and injured feet to prove it—the trip was far much more enjoyable and enriching because we had Jeremy. Did I mention he even did the dishes?!

You may not like to hike, let alone backpack, but we’re all on a journey. As we travel from “rim to rim” our lives resemble life on the trail. We can choose to go it alone, fretting the details, scurrying for provisions and complaining about the terrain. Or we can view each day as an adventure and follow the carefully prepared plan of our Guide.

Repeatedly in the Gospels Jesus says, “Follow me.” He’s not trying to make our lives a continual uphill struggle; He’s showing us the way. Yes, the route may be rocky and steep. We may not know the destination. We may think there’s an easier path. And we may be worn out.

Jesus reassures, “Trust me…and follow me.”

He protects us, provides our sustenance, gives us strength to press on and blazes the trail. He also keeps us company along the way.

But, just like I had to decide each day whether to lace up my boots, put on my backpack and follow Jeremy—or not. (Believe me, there were times I was tempted to quit.) We need to choose whether  we’ll “gear up” and follow Jesus—wherever He leads us. One step, one mile, one experience at a time.

Consider this. If a human guide made such a difference on a four-day backpacking trip,  imagine what a holy one can do on our life’s journey. I bet He knows the best views, too.

Are you willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads? Or are you stuck at the “rim” admiring the view? What’s keeping you from trading  in your comfy slippers for a sturdy pair of hiking boots?

Kelli Regan

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