By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going...Hebrews 11:8

I took the first set of images back in October. I wrote most of this then as well. I'd never seen the creek so dry. Normally there is a waterfall with water pouring over the ridge too. On this day there was barely a trickle. I knew I was supposed to spend time in the woods alone with the Lord but I didn't expect everything to be so dry. The trees still green, but the leaves were beginning to fall. As I walked down the creek bed normally flowing full of water, I thought of Joshua. I know this is a small creek but I wonder what the Jordan River bottom looked like as they stepped across on dry ground (Joshua 3:17). Were there pools of water around reminding them of what was once covered? Did they cross over in fear wondering when and if the water would crash on them like they had witnessed earlier when the Egyptians drowned in the Red Sea? Was it familiar? Were they full of trust? Were they still surprised at the miracles and the Lord's protection and provision? 

The Lord had commanded them to step and the waters would part. The Israelites obeyed. They stepped. The waters parted. They walked in step with a miracle. Can I have some of that trust please? If you want honesty, I asked for it. I sat down right in the middle of this dry creek bed and asked the Lord to make the way. Part the waters. Give faith to step. I also asked for the dry ditches to be filled (2 Kings 3:16-19). To make streams in the wilderness (Isaiah 35:6). To do a new thing in the wilderness (Isaiah 43:19). In prayer sometimes and in my time before the Lord, I struggle to know which season I'm in. Can I have it all? Can You part the waters in some areas and fill the dry places in others Lord? Both require a miracle. Both are needs at times in the journey through a wilderness. Have you been there before? Have you struggled to know what season you are walking through the wilderness in? 

Walking out of the canyon there is a set of stone stairs. They wind around and you can't see them all. Another reminder that by faith we don't always know where we are going. The Lord has it. Our job is to keep in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:25). Finishing my hike, you can't see him really well, phone photo, but in the next image is a deer. 3 crossed my path on the hike. One came back and looked at me. He stopped, we stared at each other, and he started to inch my way. "He makes my feet like the deer" came to mind. Habakkuk 3:19 is one of my favorite passages. It can also be found in Psalms 18:33. If you are in the wilderness with no water, find a river you can't cross, or a mountain you can't climb, know that your Sovereign Lord is your strength. He will "make your feet like the deer." He who calls you is faithful (1 Thess 5:24).

I went back with my family months later. The creek flowing with water. The waterfall over the ridge was beautiful. And there was so much life and laughter as part of my family played and enjoyed the Lord's creation. He is a faithful Father. He gives good gifts. He brings life. So thankful for His many blessings.