Defeated.

Exhausted.

Hopeless.

Just a few words that describe how I felt on this path. I could see the mountain ahead of me, but every day I became a little weaker in my stride. Every day I lost a piece of the compass. I forgot what the map looked like. My backpack became heavier.

Where was I going? Would I even be able to get there?

It was impossible to answer. I don't know.

I looked to other hikers on the trail.

"Excuse me, what's at the end here?"
"Excuse me, I'm lost. Can you help me?"

No. No answer. Or if there was, it was something superficial.

I could only conquer this mountain myself.

I screamed up to the heavens, "Why God? Why?"

The trail was too long. The storm clouds brought heavy rain, flooding more despair in my heart. I couldn't see the end in sight. I was scared.

I kept going.

Help me, God.

The trail seemed a little easier. The clouds dispersed, giving a stage for the sunlight. I could see the rainbow. I remembered Your promise.

You will NEVER leave me. You will NEVER let me go.

My steps are stronger. I look to You for guidance. I remember Your plan for me. My load becomes lighter. I meditate on Your words.

"Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20-21)

So with little faith, I climb higher.

Hopeful.

Energized.

Conquered.