Werribee Gorge State Park–A Learning Journey

“For we walk by faith and not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7

On the 30.11.2010, a few of us (Tim K, Joshua, Joan Na, Sam E,) embarked on a journey to trail the depths of Australian Bush – Werribee Gorge State Park.

This place did seem very familiar to me, as I have been there about a year ago with Jason, Aileen and Joy. Back then, we missed out on the markings and ventured our own way/path around the park, it was pretty dangerous I must say, but thank the Lord that we are all safe.

This time around, we were careful as to follow the markings and trail according to the path that was mapped out.

We were careful as to where our feet may tread, taking caution on placement, weight-bearing and stability.

The trail wasn’t so tough at first, until we got deeper and deeper...

The path started to get narrower and narrower

It almost seem as though the overgrowth of the plantation has covered most visible path

There were even times when we doubt where we were going

Thorns were everywhere, Joan Na got cut quite badly, few of us suffered from some reaction (numbness / pins and needles / paraesthesia) from brushing through the thorn-like leaves. The pain lasted us for around 2 days.

(random note: I tried finding out the name of the plant that caused this effect so I googled “mint like looking leaves with tiny thorns” rather funny)

There were times that we have to go off track, because the path ahead was pretty muddy.

Until, we reached a point where we could no longer hike the path (the path was submerged by the river)

Honestly, I don’t know how to express my thoughts in words that could simply display the degree of difficulty, pain, worries, doubts that we had. I was never that good at writing stories. But the important point follows after this.

Half way through the hike, Paul messaged me “Did you walk in Him? Did you see Him?”

And I’m thankful I did!

We knew that we had to reach our destination (the end – the starting point of the circuit walk), we had a map in our hands. We were clear of finishing the trail. BUT we didn’t because the path had been not well maintained and partly submerged by the river.

I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14) What is this prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus? This is the life of Christ in us! Being the inheritance of God, being called His sons, Christ in us the hope of glory.

And we also know that the way to that, is Christ himself, (Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6) We’ve got the way, we’ve got the goal. BUT there is one thing we have to do, to walk by faith.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. –Romans 10:17-

What does this mean? It means that EVENTHOUGH the path we are heading are FULL OF THORNS (literally) of even if our path seem tough and painful, we still have faith in the Son of the living God. It means that we are still listening to the voice of our shepherd, for He says, My sheep hears my voice and they follow after me (John 10:27). Yes, the process may seem unbearable, the process may seem unlikeable to the flesh, but it is through the trial of our faith, that we learn to grow more in Him, learn to depend more in Him, learn to put our trust in Him and Him alone, for we know that when our shepherd leads us, He leads us unto the path of righteousness, unto green pastures, unto plains of joy and peace.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceble fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11)

UNTO THEM WHCH ARE EXERCISED THEREBY

Let us learn to let go and let God, to walk by faith (out of our hearing relationship with Him) and not by sight (emotions, habits, flesh nature) For we know that when He works, He will do a good work in us, who yield ourselves to His spirit.

My take home message: There is a hope, take up His yoke, follow after Him by hearing and obeying that living voice.

 

God bless,

Kathryn Chin  (Happy to be home – in the presence of my loved ones, learning to serve them in the Love of Christ, and coming back to the family of God. Happy to eat good food, and play my instruments. Happy to be 4 to 1. Happy for time to spend seeking the Lord. Praise the Lord)