*Post Updated June 2024
Last year I hiked the Grand Canyon from ‘Rim to Him’ in a day, and the experience changed my life forever.
It was a journey unlike any other as I traveled through one of God’s most majestic creations.
With one step onto the unyielding terrain, I knew I had to surrender my pride and expectations. The hike was filled with many valuable lessons, and today I’m sharing five truths revealed to me in hopes of strengthening you on whatever path you’re on.
1. The Good Shepherd reveals one step at a time
My hiking squad and I arrived at the South Rim trailhead at 4 a.m. to begin our hike. The Grand Canyon was in complete darkness. I only had my headlamp and faith to guide the way. I’d prepared and trained for months to arrive at this moment, but no matter how anxious I felt, I only could take one step at a time. I had to trust my squad leader, referred to as ‘Shepherds’ by Revelation Wellness, would lead me well on the path ahead.
In an even greater way, our Heavenly Father is the ‘Good Shepherd,’ and he’s faithful to meet us in the right places at the right times.
2. Two is better than one
For additional support and accountability, each person hiking ‘Rim to Him’ is assigned a partner. We sang worship songs, chatted about our families and previous adventures. We reminded one another to drink water and eat bites of food as we walked.
During our devotions throughout the day, we prayed together and encouraged one another with God’s Word. It was reassuring to have someone to uphold me when I felt weary and in turn, I could support her when I felt stronger. From the first step to the last, we were always in it together!
Two are better than on because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
3. Rest, but don't quit
Throughout the day, we had time to rest and refresh when needed throughout the hike. When we stopped for our lunch break, we refueled our bodies and our spirits with scriptures and reflection on our ‘whys’ for beginning such a feat as this. I learned to give myself grace and permission to rest when needed.
4. My body was not the problem, my thoughts were
Battling my own insecurities of thinking my body wasn’t enough, the Lord reminded me with every obstacle I defeated that I indeed was equipped with everything I needed to complete this journey.
My mind and spirit were being renewed although my body grew weary. My knees and back ached, but I continued to press into the Lord’s truths to transform my mind.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
5. My weakness was not wasted
As I neared North Rim trailhead, I felt I had reached the end of myself. I was exhausted and shivering in the frigid Canyon night. I had to rely on prayers and the guidance of my Shepherds more than ever before. Neither disappointed. More leaders arrived to encourage me to finish the good work the Lord had started in me that day.
Through tears of gratitude, I crossed the finish line! God revealed to me in those moments how I had to become broken, completely yielding to His will, to become a shepherd to those I’ll someday lead on their journey to a personal summit.
No matter which path you’re on today, I pray these five truths would bring you peace in knowing you’re never alone or forgotten. Your Heavenly Father walks alongside you through life’s peaks, valleys, and moments in between.
Talancia (Tee) Pea is a certified Revelation Wellness Fitness Instructor (Platoon 17), NASM Personal Trainer and part-time Physical Education teacher. She enjoys playing at the beach and going on bike rides with her husband, Corey, of 12 years, and three children. Learn more about how Tee is creating an inclusive fitness community at www.every1moves.com
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18 Responses
This was very encouRaging ! Thank you
Thanks for reading, Debra! We hope to see you on the trail!
THis was very encouraging. I loved Reading about what rim to him taught you. I also shared it with a friend who i know it will encourage as well. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
Thanks for sharing, Tara!
You are an inspiration Tee!! Rock on and live loved because you are!
She is an inspiration! Thanks for reading, Sonya!
Just Love you tee! Thank you for your words and heart. I Needed these reminders today and Honored to be in the canyon the same time you were ❤️
So glad this post blessed you!
What a blessing to read your story.
So glad this blessed you, Tamara!
CoacH !!! Your words were so touching, I have to wipe a tear, thank you for sharing the depth of the journey God took you on. I thought it was just a hike, well not just a hike but I thought it was physically enduring a challenge, but your words expressed the spiritual connection to God that it exposed to you. Thank you so much for sharing ! I know you’re going to help many of us because you pressed !
Thanks for reading, Ruby! We’re so glad this blessed you!
You are an awesome wife, mother, and teacher. Your purpose eNcouraged me. Thank you for putting it to print and sharing your 5
So glad this blessed you, Phaedra!
Thank you so much! This is beautiful. I came across this today as I’m catching up on emails, and God’s timing is perfect. I’ve been struggling to learn a new job and began doubting my capabilities over the past week. Our good Lord has been giving me signs this weekend that I am absolutely capable, reminding me of all the other tough and challenging times throughout my career that I have overcome with His guidance. You are a blessing to me!
I’m so thankful this blessed you, Melinda!
my daughter and i unknowingly read this at the same time! We gleaned so much. Thank you Tee Linda
So grateful this blessed you!