Streams in the Desert
2020 made people do crazy things.
Some hoarded toilet paper.
Some stockpiled food.
Some started baking. (Seriously, I tried to get yeast to make cinnamon rolls and felt like I was making a drug transaction. Ok, so we did meet in a dirt lot. I digress.)
I went on a hike.
For some that doesn’t sound very crazy. However, it was WAY outside the boundaries of my comfort zone. I’m an indoor-loving, comfy-sofa, warm-blanket, coffee-in-hand homebody. I love being at home. I hate being outside. It’s always “to0” something - too hot, too cold, too windy, too bright, too dusty (I live in the desert. Dust is actually a weather concern.) I have all of the excuses!
It’s not like I live in a region with terrible weather. I live in Las Vegas, NV. Except for summer days with temperatures over 100ºF, our weather is beautiful, especially for outdoor activities. Running, hiking, cycling, skiing are all regular past times here for a lot of people. I’m not one of them.
Funny, when you’re quarantined in your home for several weeks, you become open to just about anything that will get you outside with the possibility of seeing another human who doesn’t live with you. Several of my friends enjoy hiking. Our son goes with his friends occasionally.
After thinking about it for a few days, I decided to give hiking a try. The upcoming forecast included a few extra nice days. I thought I’d spend the next morning getting some fresh air and 1:1 time with God. I woke up early, making sure I had the essentials.
Walking shoes - check
Earbuds - check
Playlist downloaded - check
Directions - check
Water bottle - check
Snacks - check
A friend suggested one of her favorite trails. Off I went on what was sure to be an adventure. I parked the car, gathered my backpack, and started on my way. As I walked down the trail, I became lost in my playlist. A few weeks before, our church held its Ash Wednesday night of worship. Each song during the evening spoke to me so deeply. I went home and downloaded the entire setlist. I had no idea at the time that life as we all knew it was about to be turned upside. It was like God used the songs that evening to prepare my heart for what was about to come. Listening to the playlist again, surrounded by the beauty of the Red Rock mountains and clear blue sky, brought back the same deep connection to my Heavenly Father I’d felt during our night of worship.
About an hour into my walk, I reached a small stream…a literal stream in the desert. As I sat, watching the water flow, I was reminded how good our God is. At the time, life seemed to only hold uncertainty; yet there, at that moment, He reminded me of a promise.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19.
I didn’t understand the fullness of why He was speaking that specific promise to my soul at the time. Honestly, I assumed it was a “big picture” view of what He was doing in the world concerning covid. Little did I know He was talking to me, personally. He was giving me a heads up that He was about to do something exciting and new in my own life - so stay alert!
At the time, I didn’t realize how much my life had become a wasteland. It didn’t feel “dry” to me, but it was a desert for what God had in store. He needed to dig it up, pour some water and bring life to areas I’d abandoned for far too long. I didn’t see evidence of something new on the horizon. Yet, God being the sweet father he is & knowing surprises are hard for me, gently whispered, “Don’t you see it! I’m getting ready to do something new.”
I sat awhile longer, quietly soaking up the moment. As I gathered my things and continued down the trail, I knew something was different. I didn’t know what God had in store or where He’d lead me, but I knew I could trust Him.
Time alone with God was exactly the “be still” moment He knew I needed in order to hear Him clearly. Obediently following His nudge to take a hike ended up being the beginning of an incredible journey.
Bio:
Hi, I’m Torrie. Relationships are my thing! I love connecting with people, listening to their stories and watching God do His thing. I'm passionate about helping you see yourself (and others) as God does. I champion antiracism and racial reconciliation causes specifically within the church while teaching how to embrace the beauty of our diversity. I live in Las Vegas with my husband & kids. Follow along on Instagram & on my blog, TorrieSorge.com.