I’ve come to really enjoy taking early morning walks. The fresh, crisp air, the cool breeze on my face, and the sun just beginning to rise create the perfect setting to start the day.
I’m blessed to have access to a large piece of land that includes pastures, forests, and even a pond filled with fish—though I have yet to fish there. During the warmer months, I’m always accompanied by my trusted sidekick, Marley, because I never know what I might encounter along the way. Marley has become wonderful company. He usually chases rabbits or deer but always returns when I whistle for him.
These walks have become a special time for me to talk with God and reflect on His goodness. I marvel at how beautifully everything in creation works together, each part serving its purpose according to His perfect design. Sometimes I’ll notice a lonely blue flower, thriving all by itself. On one particular morning, I was especially focused on watching where I stepped. My husband has reminded me often enough to look before putting my foot down. Having already encountered my fair share of snakes, I certainly wasn’t eager to meet another.
As I walked, I talked with God about my hopes, fears, dreams, and challenges. After climbing a steep incline, I stopped to catch my breath. Whew! I was so thankful for the breathing techniques a dear friend had taught us during one of her workshops.
As I lifted my head and looked up, I noticed what appeared to be grapes hanging high in a pine tree.
I couldn’t believe it.
Grapes?
They were purple and round, though not growing in clusters. Curious, I grabbed my phone and opened my plant identification app. To my amazement, it was a massive muscadine vine that had woven its way high into that towering pine tree.
Wow!
Of course, I picked a few and happily started making my way back home.
As I thanked God for the unexpected treasure He had provided, it dawned on me that He is always providing. It felt as though He was gently reminding me not to become so consumed by the problems at my feet, so that I forgot to look up to the One who provides—the Creator of all things.
Hallelujah! I almost skipped home, forgetting the worries that had filled my mind only moments before.
My thoughts immediately went to Abraham. His obedience to God’s instructions was unwavering, and when the sacrificial ram appeared in the thicket, Abraham recognized God’s faithful provision.
Genesis 22:14 (NIV) says,
“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
I would love to say that I have never worried or complained again after that morning, but I can’t. The difference now is that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I try not to remain in that place of fear or uncertainty. Not when I know where my strength comes from. I want to continually lift my eyes to God.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) reminds us:
“But he said to me, ‘ My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness;’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Have you ever looked back on a season when everything seemed hopeless, and you had no idea where your help would come from? How did it turn out? Did Jehovah show up right on time?
I don’t have a five-step “Quick Fix” for life’s challenges. What I am learning, however, is that my first response should always be prayer.
There is a mindset many of us adopt when life becomes overwhelming: “Well, we’ve tried everything else. All we can do now is pray.”
But what if prayer wasn’t our last resort? What if it became our first response?
I love the simple challenge to Pray First.
Before making decisions, pray.
When we wake up and realize we’ve been given another day, pray.
Before sending the email.
Before having the difficult conversation.
Before reacting.
Before celebrating.
Before doing anything, pray.
This is what it means to walk with Christ—to invite Him into every part of our lives rather than only calling on Him when we’ve exhausted every other option.
Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV) continually brings me back to that place of peace:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Pray.
Plead.
Thank.
Rest.
Maybe that really is my four-step “Quick Fix.”
Life will still have its mountains and valleys. I won’t always have the answers. But one thing I know for certain is this:
I am better with God.
Walking with Christ isn’t always the easiest path, but when I stop and consider how deeply God loves me, how could I not give Him my whole heart?
If you’ve ever wondered who God really is, why people talk about Him so passionately, or even who you are to Him, I hope you have someone you can talk with.
And if you don’t, I’m here too. I’d be honored to walk alongside you. What I don’t know, we’ll discover together.
Today, whatever you’re facing, don’t forget to look up.
God’s daughter, Kaidean™️
Kaidean Rice
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#kaideanriceblogs