Burning Question:
What candy or drink transports you back to your childhood?
Morning Devotional:
The Long Hike
We went on a family hike recently—a long one. Over three miles, with plenty of hills and some rough terrain. But to sweeten the deal, there was a bribe involved: the kids knew ice cream was waiting at the end.
It was fascinating to see how each of them tackled the challenge.
Korban, our 14-year-old, was gone—he took off on his own and powered through the hike solo. Malachi and Obadiah stuck together for the most part, exploring ahead but keeping pace with each other. Mercy stayed close to Mom. And then there was Zebedee, our 8-year-old. He bounced between running ahead with his brothers and walking with us… until he got tired.
Eventually, he slowed down and walked beside us. Then, he asked if he could ride on my shoulders. And so, for a while, I carried him. That is, until we came to a steep hill. I looked at him and said, “Okay, but this one’s yours—you’ve got to do this one on your own.”
He hopped down, scrambled up the hill like it was nothing, and then—after a few more minutes on my shoulders—he finished the rest of the trail by himself.
That moment stuck with me. Sometimes we all need a lift. Life gets tiring. We hit rough patches. And in those moments, our Father doesn’t scold us for being weak—He carries us. But then, every now and then, He sets us down and says, “This part—you can do. I’m still here, but I want you to take this one.”
Isaiah 40:31 says:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
God knows our limits. He knows when we need to be carried, and when we’re ready to walk. And through it all, He’s beside us—guiding, cheering, and yes, sometimes rewarding us with something sweet at the end.
So whether you’re running ahead, walking slowly, or just plain worn out—remember, your Father is with you on the journey. And He’s not going to leave you behind.
-Ryan
Bible Quiz:
Question:
What king of Judah had the worst reputation for killing innocent people, filling Jerusalem with Blood?
Answer:
Manasseh 2 Kings 21:16
Storytime: Pulling Mercy up the Hill!