Healing on a hiking trip
Originally published in German
My dad and I went hiking in the Alps this past summer. It was an intense two-week trip with difficult terrain.
One day, while we were hiking down a steep mountain, I twisted my knee badly. At first, I didn’t feel much of anything, but as the day went on, I felt a sharp pain. I felt scared. I was worried that this would end our trip prematurely and would keep me from playing sports I enjoy.
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I knew these fears weren’t helping me, so I turned to something that would: the weekly Bible Lesson found in the Christian Science Quarterly. I had it on my phone, and I love to highlight my favorite parts. It came in handy, as I was searching for some spiritual inspiration.
I was worried that we would have to end our trip prematurely.
A passage from Ephesians in the Bible stood out to me. It says, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (6:13–17).
I envisioned myself putting on the armor of righteousness, standing firm in the gospel of peace, holding the shield of faith, wearing the helmet of salvation, and carrying the sword of the Spirit. Picturing myself in that spiritual armor, I felt very protected. I knew that, because I am the reflection of God, I express His good qualities—such as strength, harmony, and freedom—in all aspects of my life. These qualities make up my spiritual identity, which could never be harmed by injury or pain.
As the day went on, I felt more confident that I could rely on the spiritual ideas I had been praying with and began to walk freely.
That night, I went to sleep feeling certain that I was cared for by God. When I woke up the next morning, all the pain was gone. I still felt cautious in using that leg and wasn’t sure I should put my full weight on it. But as the day went on and we continued hiking, I felt more confident that I could rely on the spiritual ideas I had been praying with and began to walk freely. After that, my dad and I continued our hiking tour without any problems.
This experience helped me recognize that God is always there for me and protects me. I know that I can rely on God with all my heart.