‘I wasn’t going to make it to the top’

I was not prepared for this hike.

I was traveling with a college group in New Zealand, and this was our first outing that involved significant physical activity. To call it strenuous would be an understatement. Our trek was up a nearly vertical pathway that offered no relief. Within five minutes I was huffing, puffing, and telling one of my friends that she’d have to go on without me because I couldn’t do it. I wasn’t going to make it to the top. But she encouraged me to go farther, and we stopped several times, which helped a little. Another friend grabbed my hand and hiked alongside me. I still felt utterly useless and slow and was afraid of holding everyone back and being judged. But it wasn’t long before I realized that this negative attitude really wasn’t working for me, so I decided to pray as we continued hiking.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

TeenConnect: Your Healings
How I got rid of a grudge
TeenConnect: Your Healings
Turning to prayer first
TeenConnect: Your Healings
Immediate healing? It’s possible!
TeenConnect: Your Healings
Which thoughts are you listening to?
TeenConnect: Your Healings
Safety on the river
TeenConnect: Your Healings
Traveling alone? or with God?
TeenConnect: Your Healings
Facing down fear
TeenConnect: Your Healings
How I dealt with homesickness
TeenConnect: Your Healings
Being open to change
TeenConnect: Your Healings
Getting along—with God’s help
TeenConnect: Your Healings
Getting a stepmother
TeenConnect: Your Healings
Healing after a skiing accident
TeenConnect: Your Healings
Praying in a new way—and finding healing
TeenConnect: Your Healings
When I lost my phone in the snow
TeenConnect: Your Healings
A healing during lockdown
TeenConnect: Your Healings
Healing on—and off—the court
TeenConnect: Your Healings
I felt the fear wash away

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