It was pouring rain as I left Bristol today. Since it was raining so hard, I thought it might be best to cancel the trip to Laurel Fork of the Appalachian Trail. I had made plans to go today with a friend that I hadn’t seen in a long time and he agreed to show me where I could connect with the trail. Arriving at the trailhead, I was surprised to find it was only sprinkling rain. Soon, it quit raining and turned into a beautiful day. The trail goes along the shores of Watauga Lake. This part of the trail has some of the most beautiful scenery you can find in this region. The fog was lifting off the mountains and lake as we began the hike.
I sensed in my spirit as I began this journey today that it was a prophetic act. A prophetic act is doing something in the natural that prepares the way for a spiritual manifestation. I have been speaking of the outpouring of the grace of God upon the Appalachian Mountains for several months now. I have been falling in love with these mountains more and more as the months have passed. I remember the days that I wanted to escape these mountains and to go somewhere that ministry might be easier and more evident. Now, I have bonded more than ever with the region. It has deepened tremendously in the last few months. As I walk this trail today it seems to connect me even more with the land.
Scripture tells us to draw near to God and He will draw near to us. (see James 4:8) Another way to say this is, “start the journey and God will join you on the journey.” I felt this connection today. As I put my foot on the trail and began walking on the path that winds its way through the region, I invited the Lord to come and walk this journey through the Appalachian Mountains in a fresh new way. One small step for man is a giant step for the region.
This trail begins in Georgia and ends in Maine. This is not a small region. We invite the Presence of Father to manifest through the region and through these states that make up the eastern seaboard of our nation. As the nations talked of the God of Israel being a God of the Mountains, we invite the same publicity. He is God of the Mountains!
A song I loved as a young person was, “God Walks the Dark Hills.” I recalled this song today and I thought about how dark these mountains must be for someone hiking during the night. It inspired me to proclaim that no matter how dark the mountains may become God is now walking these mountains. He is the light and where He is the darkness has no power.
There were so many campfire sights along the trail. Small rock circles were made by the hikers as they stopped for the night and built their fires. The fire benefits them with the cooking of their meals and heat. It also warms the heart for fellowship and reflection. Our God is like a fire. He prepares a table for us and strangely warms our hearts, bringing hope and inspiration to our busy lives.
Those who take the time to travel this trail have to set aside time from their busy lives to make the journey. For those who do this they are rewarded with peace and fulfillment that many busy people never experience. In this season, it would benefit us to take the time to set ourselves apart for the journey. This is called sanctification. We can do this by simply taking the time to both enjoy and to be enjoyed by God. Everything the world wants us to do doesn’t have to be done. To be imprisoned by our society is fruitless. You can hear the people on the trail talk about how they like this better than sitting in front of their television or computer. They are experiencing freedom. The mountains are proclaiming freedom and liberty. Scripture tells us that the earth groans for the release of the sons of God. The mountains are groaning for our release. In my spirit I could hear them groaning today. I could also feel the excitement of creation as the momentum grows in these mountains. The trees are beginning to clap their hands for joy. Isaiah said that the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before us and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. (See Isaiah 55:12)
We left the lake behind as we went up into the hills. After hiking a couple of hours we topped the hill and came back upon the lake. I could vision the hikers who had traveled for many miles, and smelling of sweat, getting their first glimpse of the lake and feeling the joy of the change of terrain. I could vision them jumping in the water and feeling the coolness it offered. Most of us have traveled the hard parts of the journey. We have even sweated useless sweat. Now it’s time to jump in the water. Water is a scriptural type of Holy Spirit and refreshment that comes from the Presence of the Lord. What are these days? I hear the words of Peter as he proclaims the good news. These are the times of refreshment that come from the Lord. It is the time of the restoration of all things spoken of since ancient times. (see Acts 3:19-21)
One of my greatest joys of today was just finally getting to walk on the trail. I had tried several times in past years to find an entrance to the trail. I had been unsuccessful. Now, I had found someone who could show me where the trailhead was. I had imagined a large and wide path, but it wasn’t. It was a small path in most places but it was sufficient. It was well worn. I am thankful for this season in my life. The path may look small sometimes but it is sufficient. I enjoy watching God now more than any previous season of my life. He is always sufficient. I also think about all those who have gone before us who have made the path more solid. Someone blazed the trail and others have walked it. I am blessed to walk these mountains today. I am blessed to bring glad tidings. How lovely on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news. We proclaim peace, happiness and salvation! We proclaim to the church of the Appalachian Mountains, "Our God reigns!" (see Romans 10:15, Isaiah 52:7)
"You nailed it!" (nsn)
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