Category: Bible (Page 57 of 356)

At this point in our second week on the Camino de Santiago, I’m tired.

I’ve walked 10-15 miles every day. I start the morning stiff, then limber up as I stroll. My knees and hips feel the distance in the evening. I look forward to the close of each day when I kick off my shoes and take refreshment. I renew my strength in order to walk the next day.

Like a long trail to a false summit, life brings discouragement at times. Strength beyond myself resides in the Lord, who supplies a supernatural lifting. So I wait and trust. Then, even if I don’t necessarily feel the force, I take to the trail.

With the Lord I can walk without fail. I might run and perhaps even fly. God’s strength, infused through the Holy Spirit, pushes me to lengths I failed to believe possible when I started down the long journey of life. Here’s how the prophet Isaiah described this power:

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:28-31).

These next few days I don’t need to soar—I’m happy to just walk and not faint. But however I move ahead, I remain grateful for the Lord’s strength along the path.

Camino de Santiago 2024

Photo: A pilgrim with a disability takes to the Camino

Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces (Proverbs 13:20).

Who you walk through life with makes all the difference.

On the Camino de Santiago I walk with different companions every day. Some I’ve known for years, others I met just this week. I discover wisdom among old friends, and enjoy learning from new friends as I walk the path with them.

Wisdom shows in all shapes and looks. Often wisdom grows among those who’ve lived the longest. Give me experience and the scars of life in a leader.

One of the foolish notions of our cultural moment enshrines wisdom among the young. A popular singer once crooned: I believe that children are the future, teach them well and let them lead the way. What foolishness—pity a people ruled by capricious children.

Instead, walk among wise people if you hope to stay grounded. It’s an integral step toward a future fulfilled and contented in the Lord.

Camino de Santiago 2024

Photo: Companions along the trail

At the finish of the Camino de Santiago everyone celebrates. Pilgrims cheer and greet each other at the cathedral, the final point of the journey. One sees joy, laughter and even tears in the crowd. This happiness only dimly reflects the future celebration of when we unite with Christ and His Church.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set out for us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Here’s how I describe the scene in my book, Seers, Sayers, Schemers, & Saints:

The author of Hebrews introduces us to an idea that we don’t often consider. Apparently, we are “surrounded” by a great cloud of witnesses, the men and women who lived and died for their faith. Picture yourself running a marathon, where all along the route people cheer for you and call you by name. In some unknown way, faithful men and women who’ve gone before us continue to encourage us in our efforts to run with Jesus. We cannot see them, and we cannot hear them, but they are near. Who lines the path you’re running?

Sounds like Caleb, Rahab, Jonathan and Daniel stand shouting. Priscilla, Aquila and Paul await your arrival a few paces over. Many more who’ve lived for Christ throughout the centuries choose prime spots. Included in the group are your ancestors who followed Jesus. Maybe a godly grandparent looks on expectantly? Perhaps even the early Christians from your tribe, tongue, or nation? Regardless, they stand present. Watching you, willing you on, applauding your steps of faith. 

As you consider your journey of faith, who are your fellow pilgrims? Who walks beside you in meaningful ways? Who shouts from among your witnesses, those cheering you on as you finish your race?

Take some time to reflect on those who’ve walked the path of faith with you. Thank the Lord for such good people in your life. Finally, pray for those within your sphere of influence—who needs your encouragement to cross the finish line?

Camino de Santiago 2024

Photo: Front facade of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela

You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way (Psalm 18:36).

The actual walking surface of the Camino de Santiago varies. Crushed gravel makes up parts of the path. In other places you encounter asphalt, or a dirt track, or a concrete sidewalk. At times the way turns rocky, with thick roots spanning the trail. You must keep alert for changes underfoot.

Signs helpfully mark the trail, too many to get really lost. Plus, lots of helpful people will point you in the right direction. But failing to pay attention can cost you several extra miles.

Blisters emerge as the most painful problem when you walk 10-15 miles, day after day. A bit of dirt in your shoe leads to days of painful tramping. Wise pilgrims avoid blisters, and have a plan in mind to treat those that arise. You really can’t be too careful with your toes.

A great deal of thought goes into preparing for a good experience in the Camino de Santiago. It pays to carefully watch your plans and practices.

In the same way, the Scriptures remind us to give thought to our lives. If a week of hiking in Spain requires a great deal of attention, how much more time and energy should I give to my hike through life? How thankful shall I be for the broad paths that often line my way?

It’s wise to prepare well for a long, tough journey. It’s even wiser to seek the Lord as we walk the long, tough path through life.

Camino de Santiago 2024

Photo: Signpost along the Camino