We walked through waist-high grass and a variety of bushes.
The hike through the Alaskan wilderness lived up to its description of “bush-whacking.” In spite of signs of bear activity, our group of twelve set out on a trail that had never experienced the footsteps of human traffic.
I was glad I wore long pants and knee-high boots. Several times, vine-like foliage tangled my legs, threatening to knock me off balance. On one occasion, I deviated from the group and walked to a beautiful, gentle stream. Being distracted by its sight and sound, I failed to see the wet mossy rock. When my rubber boot touched it, I fell to the wet ground—incurring pain to my ego.
As I walk through this world, I often feel as if I’m “bush-whacking” through both personal and corporate hazards and strongholds. I stumble over thorny and carelessly spoken words—mine and others—that wound and leave scars. It’s difficult to see my way because of the thick forest of the worldview and hardened opinions that demand I follow their path—which often leads even deeper into the darkness of deception. Lovely, inviting distractions try to draw me from the path where God has placed me. Staying focused isn’t easy.
In Alaska, our guide carried bear spray. As we traverse the wilds of this world, our greatest weapon to tear down strongholds is God’s Word. It is not only a “light for our path” but also a compass for our going out and our coming in.
Depend on God and His Word to help you tear down the strongholds you face.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Sherry Sharp seeks and collects hearts, both literally and figuratively. Through writing and speaking, she wants her audience to join her in seeking and finding the heart of God in everyday life experiences. She is the author of Life Interrupted, Chicken Soup for the Soul, April Edition, 2014, where she shares her personal journey with her husband Richard through younger onset Alzheimer’s disease. Sherry serves as a director of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. She is president of The Rick Sharp Alzheimer’s Foundation and is an advisor to Sweet Monday Ministry.