Lost in the Forest
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We were lost while hiking in the Pygmy Forest in Van Damme State Park, California, USA, for our upper-grade science camp. I was leading the group of kids, and we were happily following the trail, chatting and observing the surroundings.
As the path broadened into a wide, sandy area, the remnants of the trail disappeared. As we tried one way, then another, anxiety rose within me, though outwardly I tried to remain calm. Which way would lead us out rather than deeper into the forest? No matter which direction we turned, we could not find the path, and the map was no help. Finally I admitted, “Kids, we need to pray. We’re lost, and only God knows how to get back.” They gathered closer. In Bible class students often journal Bible stories in their own words, answering such questions as, “What do you think God might be saying to you here?” Now it was time to put those questions to the test in a real-life situation. I prayed, “God, we’re lost. We don’t know the way back—but You do. Would You please let us know? We’re listening.” With heads bowed and eyes still closed, I said, “OK, kids, we’re going to take a few moments to just listen and ask God if He would give us a direction to go. If He does, just lift your arm in that direction.” After a few moments, we opened our eyes. Several arms were lifted, pointing in the same direction! We had all heard the same thing. I was amazed! I should not have been. God’s promises are there for the taking: He is “an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NIV). He invites us, “Call to me, and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV). “Christ is ever sending messages to those who listen for His voice.”* We knew He had answered. He had spoken to all of us. Elated, we praised Him and thanked Him on the spot! Down the path we went in the direction He had indicated. Of course, it led us to our destination. God made Himself real that day. He grew our faith and gave us a story to tell. How gracious He is. When we cry for help, He hears and promises, “Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’ ” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV). Speak, Lord . . . your daughter is listening.†
Marilee Serns Dalton
* Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press®, 1905), 509.
† This devotional was adapted from the author’s chapter, “The God Who Reveals Himself,” in Revealing Jesus in the Learning Environment, ed. Peter W. Kilgour and Beverly J. Christian (Cooranbong, NSW, Australia: Avondale Academic Press, 2019). Used with permission.
