Faith for the Climb

Over the past 18 months or so, I have had the privilege of working with Brigham Young University (BYU) in Utah, helping to place students in internships across Scotland and Ireland.

It has been a joy to get to know these young people as they step into new workplaces, new cultures and, for many of them, a very different way of life.

This week, Tony Brown, who leads BYU’s international internship programme, was visiting Scotland. Monic and I enjoyed sharing a meal with Tony and a few of the students currently based in Edinburgh: Reagan, Will and Brook.

There was plenty of laughter as they spoke about new responsibilities, unfamiliar accents, Scottish weather, different foods and all the little surprises that come from living far from home.

Later that evening, two of them decided to climb Arthur’s Seat.

Their footwear (see featured image) was not, perhaps, what any experienced Scottish hillwalker would have recommended!

Yet up they went.

Looking at the photograph afterwards, I found myself thinking that life and faith can sometimes feel a little like that.

We do not always feel fully prepared for the path ahead. We may not have all the answers, the perfect plan or even the most suitable shoes. Sometimes we simply take the next step, trusting that the way will become clearer as we climb.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”- 2 Corinthians 5:7

Faith does not always mean knowing exactly where the path will lead us. Sometimes it simply means moving forward with enough courage for the next step.

These students have travelled far from home, entered unfamiliar workplaces and learned to adapt to new people and cultures. Along the way, I know they are discovering more than just some professional skills. They are learning resilience, confidence, humility and the importance of relying upon others.

Perhaps that is true for all of us.

God often teaches us beyond the familiar. He invites us to leave comfortable places, to meet different people, to stretch a little further and to see life from a higher perspective.

And thankfully, we rarely climb alone.

So, to all those making this journey: Keep learning, keep trusting and keep climbing.

The path may occasionally be steep, but the view often changes when we are willing to take a few faithful steps onwards and upwards.

Although next time, perhaps check the footwear first!

Where might God be inviting you to trust Him before you can see the whole path?