Did you know God lives in the back hills of Alaska? Of course He does, He is omnipresent, he is everywhere! I have just returned from a trip to Alaska, as I explored the vast wilderness, I found God waiting to walk with me and talk with me!
Although I am still unpacking my mind of all the amazing things I experienced, I would like to take a moment, and share with you some nuggets I discovered during this trip. It is amazing how God will use every opportunity to reveal more of himself to us, if only we will listen for His ever still small voice.
I discovered nature has much to offer us if only our eyes and hearts are opened to receive. Much like our relationship with God. If we approach God with our spiritual eyes and an open heart, we will receive the abundant love he freely offers (Jeremiah 31:3).
During my trip I was introduced to a man named Brent Nixon, a Naturalist, (perhaps some of you are familiar with his work). Brent exemplifies ‘a passionate man on a mission’. He was anxious to explain the natural wonders which awaited us as we approached Alaska.His love for the land and his energy was contagious. I was fascinated as I listened to him share about the history, landscape, wildlife, and climate of this vast land.
He spoke about his personal experiences as he explored Alaska over the years. I was both intrigued as well as captivated by the endless wilderness set before me. It was in this moment, Brent made a profound statement, “ You are no longer watching a movie, or reading a National Geographic Magazine, you are now living out this experience. This is your story… embrace it”. This statement was the catalyst to a significant shift in my outlook regarding exploring nature. It was then I realized I had the ability within me to make this trip be whatever I desired it to be, the choice was mine.
Just one word from God can change your whole outlook on life! Are you paying attention? God is speaking all day, everyday. He speaks through many outlets, even nature! Responsibility for your life belongs to you. God will not force anything upon you. Do you realize you have the power within you, through the Holy Spirit, to make your life anything you desire it to be?Do you desire to live everyday to the fullest?
Be determined to uncover purpose in your everyday life and allow God to be glorified through you. Nature screams of the creativity of God, glorifying him in all of its glory. Likewise, when you allow your light to shine in the world, it brings glory to God…your creator!
During the summer months, the sun doesn’t set for very long in Alaska. As the long days passed, my heart and mind were opened to receive everything the countryside had to offer. From the moment I set eyes on the majestic snow capped mountains with its endless waterfalls, to the grandiose glaciers, sparkling lakes, plentiful rivers, and abundant wildlife, I was beginning to understand there was much to encounter. The more time I spent in this environment, the more I fell in love with its inner beauty. A beauty designed by God… it was mesmerizing!
From the moment you set your gaze upon Jesus, you will realize He has much to offer (Psalms 34:8). God has prepared a future of exploration for those who choose to walk the narrow path that leads to His blessings (Jeremiah 29:11). There were some aboard our cruise ship who chose not wander back deep into the rainforest, or fly over the glaciers, or walk to the waterfalls; for them, their experience was limited. Those of us who decided to push ourselves beyond our comfort, we discovered many hidden gems, discoveries which could not be seen from the Harbor. You had to step out of the boat and into the unknown (Proverbs 4:10-12).
Day after day, as we went deeper into the wilderness, hiked through the rainforest, and over the mountains, I slowly became attached to the land I was exploring, and the discoveries I was making, both big and small. I began to feel at home in the openness of the vast terrain surrounding me. This new awareness allowed me to become one with nature, rather than being intimidated by it.
The moment you embrace the nature of God in all His fullness, you too will fall in love with all God represents. You will no longer see life through eyes of fear, but through a heart filled with hope and expectation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Interestingly enough, I did not need to change anything about myself, nature accepted me as I was, and in return I respected nature for what it was. What a privilege to be among the land where the Eagles flew high, the bears roamed wild and the rivers flowed wherever they chose; and together we co-existed, each in our own uniqueness. Much like being invited into the kingdom of God. We come as we are, and God lovingly accepts us (Acts 17:27). We are included in the ‘body of Christ’ (the church). Together we coexist, respecting one another and appreciating the beauty of our uniqueness (1 Corinthians 12:12). The Eagles weren’t threatened by the bears and the rivers weren’t threatened by the waterfalls, together they did what each was designed to do, creating a beautiful harmony. Likewise, we as the body of Christ, need to live in beautiful harmony with one another (Romans 12:18).
Uncovering purpose in everyday life…is an adventure, one to be explored with childlike curiosity. I have found, the deeper I grow in relationship with God, the more He teaches me to embrace everyday in all its glory.
Having God at the center of your life is paramount to uncovering the vast treasures he has waiting for you to discover. Being on an adventure with God everyday, is like being on an exploration in an unknown territory, unimaginable revelation awaits you (Jeremiah 33:3).
In closing, I want to leave you with this profound statement that Brent shared with us: “I have diamonds to show you from the heart that you could never buy in a store.” Priceless analogy! Nature speaks of God’s wisdom. God desires to write that wisdom upon your heart, it’s a free gift. Will you embrace it today? You are alive now, for a reason; don’t let anything or anyone deter you from uncovering purpose in your everyday life.
-Lucy Ann
Challenge Question:
What is preventing you from living life to the fullest, from exploring possibilities as they are presented to you? What is one decision you can make today to move in the direction of stepping out of your comfort zone?
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Lucy Ann says
I decided, many years ago, to always live life to the fullest. When I am feeling comfortable, I know I am not seeking God for direction. God always prods me out into unfamiliar territory, and that is uncomfortable. I rather be uncomfortable and be in God’s will, then comfortable outside of God’s plans for my life. 🙂