Our Guide

I recently traveled to Jamaica, my country of birth. Before leaving the United States of America, I made arrangements for a family-and-friends trip to Dunn’s River Falls, a famous tourist attraction that boasts a natural waterfall that ends in the sea. This iconic beauty involves a rocky, treacherous climb best navigated by experienced tour guides who guide hand-holding “human chains” of visitors. Though difficult to climb, the experience is exhilarating, and the vista of the dazzling blue Caribbean Sea serves as a backdrop to the ever-present lush vegetation. My friends and I opted out of a paid guided tour, deciding to make the ascent by ourselves. We had seen many others ascending and descending without guides. After all, how hard could it be?

However, we hesitated when we saw the warning signs and overheard comments from visitors, warning others to be careful. As my friends and I pondered our decision, two young men approached us and held out their hands as an invitation to climb the falls. We were a bit hesitant but then threw caution to the wind. The difficult climb over slippery, uneven terrain was not for the fainthearted. There were moments when I wanted to turn back and take the easy way out, especially when I saw other visitors exiting via the various paths designed for those who are unable to complete the ascent. However, our guides were gentle and patient as they reminded us of our goal—reaching the top. Eventually, we saw the sign: “Congratulations! You have just completed the climb of the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls.” We were jubilant as we thanked our guides and departed. Later in the day, as I recalled this incident, I couldn’t help but compare my spiritual walk with the climb up the falls. I didn’t know these guides, but I took the journey with them, believing they would keep me safe and get me to my destination, the “prize.”

We also have a perfect guide in Jesus. He has promised to keep what we have committed unto Him until that day when our reward is sure (2 Timothy 1:12; 4:7, 8). Look at your life right now. Maybe you have become discouraged by life’s twists and turns, and you have slipped away from our Guide. Why not take a moment now to reconnect with Him? I know for sure that when we trust God, our paths will be made perfect.

Tamar Boswell