Mountain // One step at a time

It seemed like an impossible task.

I was going to climb Mount Kinabalu. Just 3 weeks before the climb, I overworked my right foot and had a stress fracture (according to my sister’s diagnosis). Google says it takes at least a month plus for such ailments to be healed and here I am, deciding that I will go ahead with the climb.

I prayed, and somehow felt the boldness and peace to go on. I saw it as a step of faith, a challenge in my faith journey. I boldly made all the necessary preparations, and went to the basecamp the day we booked the trip. We did all the necessary declarations and I told my mountain guide about what happened.

The mountain guide said he will help me go as far as I can go. He told me to go slowly, at the right pace, not overstraining myself and that if in an event I really can’t I was to tell him and we will descend. I knew God was with me, the first challenge was crossed – at least I’m allowed to climb. God is so good.

And so we climbed, one step at a time, one breathe at a time. At the 4km mark, the mountain guides gave me an ovation, they didn’t think I would reach this far with such an injury. I paralleled the climb with life’s journey, that often its an uphill task, yet a worth it one, with heroes above cheering us on. Each milestone is worth celebrating and Jesus is holding us and cheering us on, our Greatest Supporter and Intercessor.

We chatted a lot, I told my mountain guide I was a pastor, he was semi worried I won’t be able to get married (He must have gotten that idea from the catholic church in Sabah). He seemed relieved that a young person like me will be able to get married, oh should I be grateful for the freedom I have! My guide was a very chatty and fun guide, and I felt, even if I didn’t reach the top, the journey was worth every penny spent. It reminded me to enjoy the journey in life, and not just be so focussed on the destination and achievements.

We reached Laban Rata, we were among the last batch, but happy that we made it. It was an achievement in itself. The next part of the journey to the peak would be far more challenging and we rested up for it.

The next morning it rained, and to our disappointment, the gate had to be closed due to the adverse weather. My guide seemed more disappointed than me! He was so sure I could make it to the top.

And we did. Thanks to some quick thinking and God’s divine favour, we managed to extend our stay and hike up later in the day to the peak when the rain had stopped.

It was such a challenge! It rained again halfway up and all I could think of was ‘one step at a time, Eunice, one step at a time.’

There was this one moment still etched in my memory, and that was me following literally every footstep and pace of the mountain guide in front of me.

I wonder how this is like my journey of faith? As I begin this year, I know there is a journey ahead, one not easy to climb. But I know I have an assurance, I have a perfect guide : Jesus, and I can follow His footsteps, one step at a time.

My sister was looking out for me and cheering me on, and I couldn’t have done it without her. I wonder how the brothers and sisters I have in Christ will weave into the story of this new year. I want to be a blessing to them and I am sure they will be a blessing to me.

I don’t know what this year will bring, but I know have a constant companion in Christ and surely He will bring me through each terrain, one step at a time.

I wonder how you feel about the new year? I pray that no matter how you feel, you will find strength and hope to live, one day at a time.

Much love.

We can do this together.