Treading on the Heights: Strength for the Climb
Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, Arizona
Sometimes God uses an ordinary day – and an unexpected climb – to press His Word deeper into our hearts.
On a recent road trip to Sedona, a few cousins and I set out to see the breathtaking red rocks. Nestled into the cliffs is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, perched high above the desert floor. As we slowly made our way up the winding road, traffic came to a near standstill. Rather than wait, three of us stepped out of the car and began the short yet steep ascent on foot.
The path was steep. The footing uneven.
And still – we kept going.
God often strengthens us as we move, not before we begin.
The path was slippery at times and also rocky. The incline was no joke. And if I’m honest, I wasn’t wearing the right shoes for a climb like this 😬.
Still, we pressed on, stopping a few times to catch our breath and take some awe-inspiring photos.
When we finally reached the top, our aerobic efforts faded into awe. The view was majestic — vast, red rock formations stretching all around us. And just as we arrived, the 3 p.m. Mass was concluding. Voices drifted out across the cliffs as the congregation sang, “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” It was one of those unforgettable sacred moments.
Standing there, heart full and legs tired, I was reminded of January’s verse from the Scott Ink Scripture Calendar:
“The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” — Habakkuk 3:19
The verse came alive in a new way. I came away with some reflections that I wanted to share.
Strength for the Hard Places
That climb was not easy – but it was also a gift. Just as my cousins lent me a hand as we were going from steep inclines or uneven pathways, I could not have reached the top without their help. In the same way, I can’t walk through life’s challenges on my own strength. Daily battles, quiet struggles and unseen burdens all require the strength that only the Lord provides.
When we keep going step by step, learn to walk by faith and depend on His strength, we reach a place where we can look back and see God’s faithfulness. We remember how He steadied us. How He protected us. How He carried us when we felt unsure of our footing.
I may not have had the proper shoes for that climb, but the Lord truly made my feet “like the feet of a deer.” He enabled me to climb. He guarded and guided each step.
Sometimes the most powerful perspective comes when we look back.
Where has God already carried you higher than you thought you could go?
Remembering God’s Faithfulness
If you’re in a season that feels steep or uncertain, may this verse encourage you. Take a moment to read it out loud and sit with it:
The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. – Habakkuk 3:19
Remember: You are not climbing alone. When we depend on Him, the Sovereign Lord becomes our strength, enabling us to keep going – one faithful step at a time.
If you’re facing a rocky path right now, I would encourage you to pause and look back. You might think that is odd advice – to look back. Yet, when we make room in our lives to pause and reflect on how God has been faithful to us in the past, it builds our trust and confidence in Him. When we are in the middle of a challenging trial or a stressful situation, our minds tend to focus on the problem and forget The Problem Solver – Jesus! Recalling and remembering ignites the power of the Holy Spirit to direct our minds and thoughts on God’s faithfulness and to “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8, NLT)
What moments from your past can you recall when the Lord provided, protected, delivered, encouraged or gave you exactly what you needed? It’s so easy to forget all the Lord has done for us in the past. My friend characterizes those times as “spiritual amnesia.” The enemy would like nothing more than for us to forget God’s past faithfulness and get stuck in paralyzing fear and the “what ifs.”
This beautiful mosaic tile was situated just outside of the Chapel’s entrance, reminding us of the power of the Holy Spirit living inside all believers:
Lord, You are my strength.
Steady my steps today.
Help me trust You with the next one. Amen.
If you know God as your personal Savior, He is your refuge and your strength – an ever-present help in trouble and always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1, NLT)
Just as He took care of you in the past, He will take care of you now – and in the days ahead. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The same God who strengthens us for the climb also meets us at the top.
When I reached the summit, I knew the climb had been worth it. The view was breathtaking – but what stayed with me most was the reminder that God had helped me climb every step of the way.
So let me ask you this: what “mountain” has God helped you climb recently?
Pause today to thank Him – not just for the view at the top, but for the strength He gave you on the way up. And as you face what lies ahead, remember: the Lord who helped you then will help you now.
