“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
For every woman who crosses our path this summer, I pray that you understand and believe God has a plan for you. No matter what you are going through at any given moment, He will take care of you and provide for you. His plan for your future is far greater than you can imagine.
We all have a story, and a journey. Many of those stories tell of times filled with hurt, pain, loss or trauma. Throughout our lives, the losses and the victories shape who we are and what we become. For me, it is in the challenging times that I cling to God the most. The blessing within the hurt is that my faith grows deeper, and my reliance on God increases.
Jeremiah 29:11 often gets misinterpreted. God is not saying that life will be easy, and that only good things will come our way. In fact, Jeremiah prophesied these words at a time when many of the Israelites had been taken into captivity to Babylon. The children of God had turned from Him and began worshiping idols, among other things. God sent Babylon to discipline Israel for their disobedience, as well as to turn their hearts back to Him. They lost everything; their homes, livelihoods, culture, and identity.
For 70 years, Israel remained in captivity. Then, their hearts turned back to God, and they cried out to Him for deliverance. God heard their cries and delivered them from exile. Israel was restored.
As I said, God does not promise life will always be easy. However, He does promise that He sees our struggles, hears our cries, and walks beside us with each step. In those difficult times we can reach out, draw Him closer, and even thrive through adversity.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isiah 41:10
I had a heart to start this climbing ministry because of the healing and blessings that came out of my early climbing journey. My own past was filled with mistakes, disappointment and hurt. Even after accepting Christ into my life, the scars of my past prevented me from experiencing the peace and joy my Father’s loving embrace offered. It was through rock climbing that God taught me to let go of the hurt and rely on Him. On the rock, the Rock began to heal my scars, and restored to me the peace and joy I so desperately needed.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. – Isiah 26:3-4
As we begin our third season, I hope you discover your own unique strengths and feel God’s presence as you begin, or continue, your climbing journey. Whether you have never climbed, or you are on your third pair of toe crushing climbing shoes, I encourage you to enjoy the process, persevere and allow your struggles to teach you. Even if you cannot make it to the top today, keep trying. You will overcome your difficulties and thrive through the process.
But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” – 2 Chronicles 15:7
