The Privileged Life: What’s Around the Corner?

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

My husband, our son, our mini-schnauzer, and I trekked over rock-strewn terrain yesterday to seek a treasure on a nearby mountain. 

The hike wasn’t very steep, but it required a bit of maneuvering past boulders, creek crossings, and rough spots…slow-going as we climbed higher. Our trail skirted alongside crystal-clear Dry Creek, a misnomer because it was flowing full, refreshing us along the way.

Although I knew what to expect, I wasn’t sure where we were distance-wise as we walked deeper into the forest. There were no mileage markers like the ones you see on interstate highways! I couldn’t see what was lying around the next curve in the trail.

We kept slogging upward over sharp-edged boulders, and I wondered if I would skin my knees on the slippery rocks, get to a point where I couldn’t go further, hike into a lightning storm, lose track of the trail, or encounter a hungry bear (I would happily sacrifice my granola bar to him and hightail it out of there). Plus, I hate ticks with a passion…I’m almost more afraid of ticks than of bears. Lots can go wrong when you’re out in the wilderness.

Toward the end of our walk, my husband called out, “I can see it!” 

“Where? Where?” I answered. My beloved man is freakishly tall (someone called him that once, and it stuck), and I’m around 16” shorter than he is. I couldn’t see what he could from his height. But I trusted his word and promise, unable to see the treasure beyond the trees.

Sure enough, when we went around the next turn, there it was—Margarette Falls, in all her glory. An abundance of cool, frothy water cascaded down a 60-foot drop in a fan shape, landing in a shallow pool perfect for wading. Despite the site’s popularity, we had plenty of time there all to ourselves and rested up, taking photos and munching on that granola bar before heading back down. What a serene, beautiful spot!

Fortunately, we escaped all potential difficulties and had a very pleasant time together. I’ve had similar experiences on the rocky paths of life, times when I’ve asked God the same question countless children have asked on other road trips—“Are we there yet? What’s around the corner ahead??”

Even if we know where we’re going, we can’t see what lies before us…and that’s a good thing. I don’t think I would stay on my path if I knew about the problems waiting around the bend. God doesn’t let us see the future, or else we’d never start on our journey with Him. 

At the same time, He likewise conceals His blessings to us in advance. Every day is like waiting for Christmas—we know He’ll have good gifts for us, but we don’t know yet exactly what they will be. 

And while we can’t look ahead, we can look back and trust Jesus Christ’s faithfulness to us in the past. When we hear His voice, telling us His victory is just ahead, we can trust Him as our Redeemer and merciful Savior. 

Friend, you and I have no idea what our future holds or when we’ll leave this earth, but we have a loving God who holds us as we follow Him. Listen to His voice. Trust Him when He leads you over rocky places. Be assured that His plans are for your good (Jeremiah 29:11) and that He will never abandon you in the wilderness…not even when bears and ticks are out there with you!

Jesus, my Warrior and Leader, thank You for Your faithfulness in carrying me in the past, keeping me safe thus far, and leading me homeward by Your grace. Please guard my path, help me through rough days, and turn my eyes to You alone for my salvation. Let my footsteps follow Yours, and hold me when I fear the storms ahead. Be my Rock and my Deliverer. In Your name, Amen.

Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her weekly blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and AriseDaily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom. 

© Copyright 2024 Nancy C. Williams (text and photography) Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

#margarettefalls #appalachia #appalachianhikes #cherokeenationalforest #cherokeehiking #hiking #besttrails #tennesseetrails #populartrails #greenecountytrails #bears #bearsonthetrail #avoidbears #ticks #waterfalls #bestwaterfalls