One of my favorite books of all time is by Hannah Hurnard’ entititled “Hinds Feet on High Places.” (this is truly a must read š )It’s an allegory I can relate to every time I read it. The story is a triumphant tale of a “crippled” girl called Much Afraid, who desires to follow the Chief Shepherd- Jesus- to the High Places. Her journey is filled with pain, sorrow, suffering, and trials, yet it is precisely those things that transform her crippled feet to hind’s feet so she can jump and leap in the mountains with ease and joy.
[Tweet “God uses mountains to transform our feet and loft our perspective.”]
“Though the fig tree does not blossom, and there is no fruit on the vine, even if the product of the olive fails and the field yields no food, though the flock is cut off and there are no cattle in the stall,Yet will I rejoice in the Lord and the God of my salvation! The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hind’s feet and will make me walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make spiritual progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering, or responsibility)! Habakkuk 3:17-19 Amplified Version
Ā 
I am in awe that my husband Jeff, sons- Noah, Micah, and Josh- climbed to the summit of Pike’s Peak. I can’t imagine making that 5 hour climb. (it would be a lot longer for me!) What an accomplishment!
The climb itself was transforming. Unlike Sarah, Moriah, Bethany, and me, (we rode the cog train up and back) the guys braved the rocky terrain, the steep switchbacks, the thinning altitude, and unpredictable weather and snow storm at the peak. It was their “blood, sweat, and tears” that transformed them to “Conquerors of the Mountain”. They earned that title while we merely rode up on the effort and sweat of someone who had labored to build the Cog rail.
We both arrived at the top but I know that our perception of our journey was different. The truth is, sometimes we have to scrap and struggle our way up the mountain, and other times, God lifts us up. I would dare say though, that while the view at the peak was the same for all of us, the EXPERIENCE was quite different.Ā “They” fought for the summit- they battled the elements- they endured hardship- and came out victorious!
Same Mountain- Different Journey!
There’s something about looking down from the top of the world. My problems seemed to shrink as I gazed out to where the horizon meets the sky. I became aware of how small I was and realized the Creator of the Universe was holding the whole world- my little world- in His Hands.
[Tweet “I have the right #perspective when I begin to see things as #God sees them. #life”]
I can allow myself to fixate on my situation, my loss, my hurt, my needs, my life. I can choose to wallow in fear and worry about how to solve my problems or change my circumstances.
OR
I can lift my eyes to the MAKER and MOVER of all mountains. I can lift my eyes to the One who suffered and died for me and is compassionate and understanding to everything I am going through. I can lift my eyes to Eternal One who is in control and holds every atom of the world together by His power! I can lift my eyes to the Healer who stands ready to transform me and heal my spirit from the sickness of sin!
What about you? What “mountains” has He put in your life to transform you or enlarge your vision of His awesomeness? If you look back 10 years, what are some ways you see He has changed you, strengthened you, or given you “hinds feet” to go upon the high places? š
Surprising Treasure: HIS transforming power is over all mountains steep, the oceans deep, He is the Chief Shepherd who cares for His sheep!
I would just like to point out I didn’t think about hiking because I was pregnant at the time ans not because I couldn’t do it- that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! š Also- for me- the mountains just seem to keep coming, but I’m better equipped for them if I can take the time to recall how Jesus helped guide my steps over the last one instead of trying to come up with my own path each time. You can get much higher/farther much faster that way- so now just to train myself to handle ALL mountains that way …
Sarah! Not a doubt – you are a real mountain climber! I love what you said- “the mountains just seem to keep coming, but I’m better equipped for them if I take time to recall how Jesus helped guide my steps over the last one…” That is our foundation- He is always with us! I admire you my little mountain goat! LOL
Also one of my absolute FAVORITE books! Hits me somewhere different every time I read it. Loved the visual I was getting while reading your passage here!
Sarah- I wish you were going to be here- our ladies are doing a book chat this summer about Hind’s Feet- I’m looking forward to going through it yet another time! hugs my friend!
This is so inspirational, Cindy! Thanks so much for the illustration of the climb vs being carried – same destination, different experiences. This is another favorite keepsake. š
Isn’t He amazing? How He knows the plans to prosper and transform each one of us!!! He is the Greatest “Transformer” of all! love ya!
“Hinds Feet in High Places” was a mainstay read at the Barclay home school. I remember watching and listening to Cindy read it to the children. But it’s not just a kids book. It’s a book for the convert who longs to be a disciple. I love the book of Habakkuk, but you have to read the entire book to appreciate 3:19! It’s like an old southern saint once preached- “If the mountains of life were smooth you wouldn’t be able to climb em’!”
Oh, Cindy, you really ministered to my heart. I so needed the encouragement I found here today! Love the book āHinds Feet in High Placesā. Thank you for inspiring me. Hugs!
Rita- I’m so glad I could return the favor! You’ve been encouraging me all week with your posts and insights! Hugs- <3