Glad to have you back! Cheers to my final blog covering our trek through the Svaneti region in Georgia…
If there is one word that I could use to describe my personal growth through this time it would be refinement.
Refinement is the process of removing impurities or unwanted elements from a substance; or the improvement of clarification of something by the making of small changes.
God strips us of the things that are not of Him and fills that space with more of WHO He IS. Refinement in the Bible looks like being set free. God views us as His children who are full of potential rather than full of impurity. He looks at us with eyes that represent the eyes of a proud Father.
In my element! How can you not love those mountains?
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – through your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7
So, refinement in the mountains… how does that sound to you? Looking back, I rejoice for that chapter but it sure was difficult.
I hold the mountains near and dear to my heart; it’s my home. When you live in the mountains it’s easy to go day by day and forget to appreciate the overwhelming beauty of the surrounding creation. Our time in the Svaneti region renewed my love for nature. During our trek, God reminded me of some passions He presented years ago which was SO sweet! I felt like I was finding part of myself all over again.
One of my favorite views is waking up to the refreshing mountain air and peeking through my tent.
Throughout our hike, I was praying over some decisions that would impact the last stretch of the race, in which I felt God pushing and challenging me. “Is your faith big enough to move mountains? Is my glory enough for you?” He spoke to me. At the time no, my faith wasn’t enough to move mountains… but what else could I say other than “110% YES, Your glory is enough for me”?
Following this sweet revelation on the trail during one of our sabbaths, I asked the Lord to root my faith in Him through His word. He led me to Hebrews 11 – Faith in Action… God listens to us and He knows what we need to hear.
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1
A sweet way the Lord had shown up was through this gentleman and his horse. We were scouting a place to cross this raging river when he rode up… what a way to root my faith even more! God is a provider!
This whole chapter wrecked me. I was doubting my faith. I was struggling to understand what it looked like for a deeply devoted faith. I needed to sit before God and ask Him to strip me of the things that were not of Him. I needed to be taken into the mountains during this season to receive God’s truth and listen intently to His voice. My prayer became to be guided and sustained by faith in Christ alone.
Below are questions that I encourage you to ask yourself and to take to the Father…
- Where do I actually place my faith?
- Am I seeking the eternal kingdom that was created by God?
- Do I truly know God is greater than my wants?
- Am I going to live by faith until I die?
- Will I trust God more than my earthly desires?
- What am I looking for?
- Am I hungry for more?
Many of our challenges and trials came to navigating the trail. In the picture above a landslide took out the trail… man was it difficult to get to the other side.
Of course, further refinement came with trials that followed up on the trail. I found myself some days barely placing one foot in front of the other but trusted and placed my faith in God to sustain me. Through the rain, through the harsh sun, and even through the cold God never left my side. Are you willing to take on complicated challenges to grow closer to the Father?
My prayer is that you allow the Lord to refine you. In what areas do you need to be refined? I want to challenge you and ask that you take those questions to the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal those areas and invite Him to answer the questions. Fully trust God. Thank you for keeping up with my trek through Georgia! Keep shifting your eyes toward Jesus. You are SO loved! See you next time…
with all my love,
PJ
Thanks for all the inspiration. I love reading about your trip and how God is moving in your life. Be safe
Beautiful pictures and wonderful challenges to seek God! Keep the faith! We love you!
Awesome! Beautiful blog, beautiful pictures, and a beautiful heart for the Lord. Thank you for sharing and challenging each of us to seek what we can bring to Jesus for refinement. We love you.