Few years ago I was at the Grand Canyon. We were visiting family in Phoenix and decided to drive up and turn around. The beauty of the Grand Canyon kept me they longer then we desired. My wife and I decided to book a room and spend a night up there. We had plans of getting up early and walking. We found a path that was extremely steep that the road was zig-zagged to slow the decline pace down. At the 1.8 mile marker down there was a resting spot, so just under a four mile hike down and up sounded like a great idea.
At six in the morning we set off for our power walk. It was cool still and what a great way to start our day. We grabbed one small little 12 oz water bottle. We were not looking at a marathon a quick four miles and back. Half way down this steep incline, I watched the face of weary men climbing out of the canyon, with walking sticks and water camels on their backs. I had heard no one has ever walked to the bottom and back in one day. We did not have time to try. But in my head, I was thinking I could probably do it.
The walk down was really easy and fast paced. Considering it was all down hill. I figured we would take a little break and then turn around. The sun comes up fast in the Grand Canyon. I did not consider the sun and dessert atmosphere to change so quickly. I soon found out the deeper you get into the canyon the hotter it gets. It traps the heat in and the stones reflect the sunlight also. Quickly, I felt the temperature rise, it was getting hotter. I started my climb back up. I did not fill my water bottle because their was no need. The steep incline attacked my legs quickly. I felt my heart racing and face getting redder by the second. Brittney, asked me not to stop because it would make it longer and harder for me. I did not listen to her. I took one break after the other. Each break longing for water and mentally loosing. I almost gave up two times. First time, I had crazy thoughts that I am not going make it out of here, and they are going have to rescue me and I would be all over the news. Thank God for pride because I was determined not to be shamed that way. Quickly, I got up and plowed another 20 yards and my legs gave out.
The heat was rising and the sun was right on top of me. I felt like a chorizo in a frying pan. I almost broke down in tears. I fought them back. I was going to throw in the towel. When Brittney grabbed me by my shirt and got right in my face and said, "stop complaining, get up and go because we can't stay here anymore". Like a good soldier, I jumped up and made my move. Once again, thank you God for pride. Because at that same moment this Korean women bundled up in a trench coat, wearing white gloves and a white bonnet on her walked passed me. I am sure she fanned her faced to say it was hot, smiled and then winked at me to say "see you later fatty!." Everything in me rose up and I made my climb out. We were in full fledge race to the top whether she knew it or not. I was not going to lose to her. She made a move to pass me and I dug in and I pass her.
Mind you, Brittney could of left me and waited for me at the top. She slowed her pace down to comfort me. But I was in a race, I had no time to worry about her. I finally could see the rim, I tossed the water bottle to Brittney and said, "honey run up there and get me water." She took my bottle like the cut man in a fighters corner and ran up the hill. The sight of the rim gave me more encouragement and I dropped into a higher gear and made my move. I passed this Korean woman for the last time and was determined to make some distance between the both of us. Brittney handed me the water and was behind me,"you got this babe." I would look at her and smile and say, "you know this maaan!" Finally got to the top a crowd of people around me. I spiked my water bottle and broke out into a Drake song, "Started from the bottom now we here."
Those words of my wife are what got me out of the suffering moments of allowing the enemy in my head. "We cannot stay here anymore," are words that will echo in my head over and over. Once, I decided that circumstance was no longer for me. I quickly saw that I could get out. Staying in that place would of lead me down a road of doubt, self-destruction, shame and dishonor. God got a hold of that morning and reminded me that in difficult situations what I fix my mind to will determine my outcome. Holy Spirit will slap you out of a defeated faithless moment into winning faithful fruitful life. Remember if I fix my eyes on the things above. The heavenly realms every obstacle on earth looks like an opportunity to learn and grow. Grow in wisdom of God and faithfulness of God.