Getting Guidance (Part 2)

 My “try new things” spirit has me embarking on adventures that require me taking the initiative. If I can’t find people who want to go hiking with me, the thought would cross my mind that I could do it alone. It isn’t that I wouldn’t be able to, especially one that I’ve done before, but it just wouldn’t be wise. Although a naturally independent person, I’ve learned through my journey of life that there is safety in numbers.

A few years ago when I was researching Bible customs, I discovered this intriguing fact regarding travel:

“Wherever it is possible to do so men travel in large groups so that they can help each other in case they meet with robbers or wild animals along the way. A guide or someone who knows the way, and especially one who is acquainted with the locations of wells or springs of water or other watering places, is invaluable to the travelers.”1

I believe that what has been considered wise in the natural, is also wise in the spiritual. There are around 59 “One another’s” in the Bible which indicates that God is very much into us not doing this journey alone. My concern for any of us living in this post-modern age is that with the infiltration of social media we are getting a false sense of “togetherness”. It’s also feeding us with a lot of information, but not necessary the truth. Those who don’t have people physically present helping them on their journeys can easily be swayed by what they read over social media. For me, facebook will never and should never become a substitute for face-to-face interactions with real people. I don’t believe this is just a phenomenon with the youth of today, but it is seeping into the older generation. Where we used to make time for the younger generation, we are now spending it on social media platforms. The need for input from encouraging adults has not changed. I would even go as far as to say that the demand is there, but perhaps it’s the supply that isn’t! If ever a generation needed guides to help them navigate life’s trails and trials it is now; guides who will lead them to the truth where truth has become so oblique.

I have been blessed with older men and women who speak into my life. I dread to think where I would be without their words of wisdom, encouragement, suggestions, prayers and faithful support. Like any “do it yourself” kind of person I wasn’t always heeding their suggestions, but years later I see the wisdom in their words, and see how God broadened my horizons because of them. For instance, I’ll never forget my Mum who knew my interest in missions suggesting YWAM as a possibility. I must admit at the time I didn’t take much notice and certainly didn’t go pursuing them. It seems God had them find me at a time in my young life that I was particularly desperate for answers. Now, 20 years later, YWAM has become the environment under which God has released me to express His heart to young people, especially in Africa. I have a spiritual Mum whom I met when living in Zimbabwe. Her daily gift of encouragement over the phone wasn’t always appreciated when I just wanted to get on with my day; but her consistent words of truth would eventually penetrate. Years later, I found myself teaching on the very subjects she would say were lacking in the church today.

When I left Zimbabwe, I would continue receiving her insights, one of which led me to do something I never would have thought of doing. She knew about my relationship with my AIDs orphan son, Gamu. After his Gogo (grandmother) passed away in 2014 she suggested that I write an article about him and submit it to a well-known Christian magazine based in Cape Town. At the time, I shelved the idea underestimating the story’s significance. It was only after Gamu’s passing in April of this year that Holy Spirit reminded me of her suggestion and encouraged me to submit an article as his life and story were worthy of being used to help others. I did this and I am happy to say that, despite thousands of articles being submitted to JOY magazine, it was published. Interesting how my spiritual Mum’s name is Joy. Whether we are from the younger or older generations, let’s be more intentional about getting guidance from those who’ve walked before us!

 Joy and myself

1. Fred H. Wright, Manners & Customs of Bible Lands  (Chicago: Moody Press, 1953), 270.

Getting Guidance (Part 1)

Anyone who has read my previous blogs would know that I am an avid hiker. I live in the perfect city, province, and nation to do so. Before I embark on a hike, I google to find out possible hikes in my area and maps to help me find my way once I’m there. I must admit that despite research and maps it is very easy to lose one’s way. Unfamiliar territory that shares much in common ends up looking the same to the outsider. Even hikes that I’ve done in the past cause me confusion when there are little to no markings along the way to direct one’s steps.

Last year three of us rose to the challenge of doing a two-day overnight hike. After much research I found a remote place a couple of hours from the city and we started our adventure. As it was mostly flat terrain, the best way to navigate our journey was to follow the path carved out by previous hikers’ footsteps. But once we reached the rocky areas there was no path to follow. 

Thankfully, we spotted a pile of stones that we later found out were called “cairns” that hikers had built on top of various rocks along the way to direct future hikers onward. We came to depend on these. Under the gruelling weight of our backpacks and the unrelenting heat of the sun, we wondered how much further to our overnight accommodation. What a welcome relief when we came upon some hikers walking towards us. Hearing that they were coming from where we were going, our first question was how much further to our destination. Their response encouraged us that we were on the right track, but the reality was that it was still further than we expected. With the little energy we had remaining we eventually made it to our accommodation.

I often think about how hiking connects with getting guidance for our journeys in life. What is comforting to me is that God hasn’t left us alone on these journeys. He has definitely given us His Word as a map. That’s why verses like Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” are so helpful. However, if we are not willing to do the research and get guidance from it, we are bound to get lost. I can fully understand that even when reading the Word it is hard to interpret it and apply it to our day-to-day life. For me, it has been people I may not even know who have left “cairns” that have helped me find my way in very unfamiliar surroundings; people who have done that part of the journey and were mindful of those following after them. That’s why I believe writing journals, books, devotionals, etc. are vital to passing on life lessons that will benefit the next generation of seekers. Then there are those who show up on our path when we most need a word of encouragement to keep us pressing forward and not to give up under the scorching heat of our circumstances. Yes, we still have to make the decision to either turn back or move forward, but it is life-giving to know that others have made it so far and are still alive to tell the tale!