When we started out on our Cairngorm trek we had favourable conditions. It had stopped snowing and walking was good in the crisp snow, the sky was blue, a light zephyr breeze, although cold. We didn’t really feel the temperature, because we were prepared with the right clothing in layers right to our outer jackets. This was not a new experience because we had walked in these conditions, and on this mountain before, although not on this particular route. The higher we climbed, the colder and icier it became, but we didn’t notice.
We were also prepared with the essential provisions. Good boots, backpacks which contained a thermos of our hot drinks, nourishing, health bars, chocolate, a compass, a whistle each to attract attention should it be necessary, a small but insulated blanket, and a protected waterproof route map which swung on a cord from the lower backpack buckle. The folks where we stayed knew when we had set off, and that we would return that evening. We left nothing to chance, which was normal for us. The weather conditions can change in the Cairngorm mountains in minutes. This was one of those times, and as we watched the sky we knew we had to come down off the mountain fast. Time had passed so quickly, but we knew we had been out for a few hours and had made good progress up the hill, so we had some distance to cover on the descent..
Coming down would not be so easy. It’s no good trying to rush because a slip or fall is dangerous. We knew the rules of the mountain, and these conditions took no prisoners. As the snow flurries changed to almost horizontal heavy blizzard-like driving snow, we buried our heads and faces into the warm fleecy jacket hoods and made a determined effort to get to safety. We knew the way at least, so we felt we had made good time as we stopped the idle chat and concentrated on the job in hand.
I was in front, and my wife close behind me. Then I lifted my head for a moment and realised we were walking along a little snow and ice path, just inches from a steep drop into a deep gully. We didn’t come this way on the way up, so we had made a wrong turning and taken the wrong path some way back, and now there was no returning. We had to keep going. On one side, a steep embankment of ice covered rock, and on the other just inches away, a drop of some sixty feet. Danger was obvious, and we knew it, so the pace slowed and we stayed closer together with my wife holding onto the straps of my backpack as we walked in close step. Her steps in mine. We were in too much trouble to feel afraid.
We were experienced hill walkers, had good provisions, and all the right equipment, so what went wrong? In essence, we didn’t keep looking at the map. Yes, we did check the route, but we didn’t diligently check often enough. We, or to be more accurate I, made the mistake of thinking I knew what the route map said. In fact the path we should have been on ran parallel to this one, but was a much safer choice. That’s where we should have been, but we took the liberty of presuming we knew the way. After all, we both had checked the map together before we set off. We did know the way.
In our Christian faith walk, we oftentimes read the Bible, perhaps even daily or more than once a day, and we think we have it off pat. We know what it says, so we make assumptions, especially when the bad stuff hits us, and we tuck our head into our hood to avoid the tests, trials, and temptations. After all, we already know what the Bible says. Don’t we? That’s exactly when we get caught out. In this true story, had I studied the map more often and more carefully when the bad weather hit us, we would not have literally walked into danger. So, when you think you have read your Bible enough for the day, read some more, and maybe even some more again! Only by knowing the ‘way, the truth and the life’ surely and clearly can we navigate our way through the pitfalls of this world. Remember the Bible IS the Word of God, and can be trusted fully. Commit as much as you can to heart, so that when those narrow, dangerous, slippery paths need to be walked, you are certain of your guide.
With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:10,11
