When Your Goal is no Longer Visible

Trail-walking in the Drakensberg Mountain (Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa) is a favourite activity for us as a family. When our boys were much younger we set off on one of the trails named The Policeman’s Helmet. The name is derived from the shape of the huge rock formation one can see from a distance. As the eagle flies it looks quite close, but the actual trail is in the shape of a very long hairpin bend to take one right around the gully separating us from the destination - making it a three hour walk, when walking at
a fairly relaxed pace.

The first third of the walk was very comfortable and we passed through two lovely cool forest areas. As the Tugela Waterfall originates in these mountains, we did some boulder-hopping to cross the cool streams of water along the way. For most of this first part of the walk, we could constantly see the rock formation of The Policeman`s Helmet - every step was one closer to our destination and at one point it seemed massive and much closer. But just further on the walk became quite difficult - firstly since it became steeper and secondly there were no longer shady areas or streams (for fresh drinking water) along the way. With the sun blazing down and our legs getting a bit tired, we suddenly realised at one stage that we couldn’t see the rock at all.

At this point the boys were getting tired and my husband used the opportunity to motivate them and also teach them one of life’s lessons. Even though the huge rock wasn’t visible at this difficult stage of the walk, it definitely was still there. We just needed to keep walking and we would eventually see it again and reach our destination. Often in life we experience the same with our goals and the things we hope for.

When our lives are trouble-free, it’s easy to trust in God. It’s when the trials and tribulations come, that it’s harder to remain motivated. Sometimes we have a godly vision or goal for our lives and we work towards achieving or reaching it. Along the way obstacles obscure the vision or plan and we begin doubting whether we really are on track, or whether we really understood the Lord correctly. We can so easily feel discouraged at this point and even give up, because the vision is no longer so clear.

This is the time to push through and to trust the Lord for His guidance and help. If He gave us the vision, then He will surely bring it to completion. Realising this truth is even more important than reaching the destination. Don`t allow yourself to lose hope and get caught up in the difficult part of your walk - the destination is definitely still there! It`s also important to bear in mind that the Lord cherishes the journey we undertake and that there is a reason why we have to sometimes push through difficult times. The journey is often more important than the destination.

‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen’ (Hebrews 11:1).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that You see the bigger picture of my life that I can’t see. Forgive me for the times when I lose sight of this fact and want to give up hope. Help me to remember that You have a plan and purpose for my life even when I’m not able to see this clearly. I choose to place my trust in You and the fact that You know best in every situation. Thank You for the feeling of safety and nourishing that this brings into my heart. Amen.