My guide said, “Reach up here and then put your foot here.” We were at least 200 feet high and I wanted to reach the top. Little by little I obeyed his instructions and we made our ascent to the top.

Deep inside a mountain in total darkness except for the lamps on our helmets, the guide said, “Stay behind me. Don’t crawl to either side of me because it is a false floor.” For a day and half I obeyed his instructions. The next day we walked out of the mouth of the cave in the side of the mountain.

My guide said, “Lean out over the side of the mountain. Trust the rope! Then jump out hard!” No! I thought.

Guides for adventure trips have helped me accomplish things that I couldn’t have done without their guidance. Their knowledge, skills, experiences and desire for us to succeed have increased my confidence and left me with great memories. My biggest challenge was trusting their directions, especially when it felt like I should do just the opposite. All of my instincts screamed do the opposite of my guide’s instructions. Gradually my feelings would line up with their instruction. Their guidance proved trustworthy.

Trust is a powerful word. My Dad’s favorite verse was, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6, ESV) Trust is leaning. When you lean on something or someone you have to trust them. You will lean if you trust, you will not fear because you trust that they will catch you, support you and not fail you. It’s why trust brings out the best in us.

God is our guide. He gives us the gift of His presence and His Word daily to guide us. You can lean on Him. It’s the smartest way to live. My counsel is passionately follow Christ by choosing to be humble, live obediently, and lean in hard trusting God as you work, plan, live out your dream daily!

What is your biggest challenge to trusting God?

Are you confident enough in God to lean on Him?

Do you spend time daily in prayer and reading the Bible?

Peace!