August 5, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Ask God For His Strength and His Wisdom   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Proverbs 24:10

If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!  (NIV)

Thoughts

My son and a friend traveled to Wyoming to visit my wife and me and to do some trout fishing. We decided to pack into a remote mountain lake at 10,000ft elevation. There were five riders and two pack horses to carry the float tubes and camping gear. The trip in went fairly well. 

While we stopped once to tighten the packs, one of the horses, Molly, decided to be independent and wander off the trails looking for fresh morsels. Brock, a young and inexperienced rider, got a little frustrated with Molly. But with some instruction, he became more assertive. The horse began to cooperate and stay on the trails. 

We unpacked the horses and set up camp, apparently just in time. A severe, unexpected storm hit the mountains. It poured for what seemed like hours. It was flooding, so we trenched around the tents and the camping area. 

One of the horses got spooked in the storm and ran away. We tracked him and managed to get him back to camp. 

The temperature dropped after the storm went through. Wet and cold, we tried to start a fire, but had difficulty. After finally finding dry kindling under a large cut back rock, we started a fire under the rock and transferred the coals to a spot near our campsite. We dried out our clothes and eventually warmed up. 

The fishing was slow because of the storm. 

On the way down the mountain, a pack slipped, so the gear had to be repacked. 

Even with all the difficulties, I never heard a complaint or any angry words. How often is this the case in our outdoor activities? I'm thankful that these Christian men followed Phil 2:14, 'Do everything without grumbling or arguing," (NIV). They had the strength to endure and made the trip a memorable one. 

(Tom L)

Action Point

It is critical that we set an example of strength to our children and friends without complaining or arguing. When troubles come our way, ask God for His strength and wisdom. He is always faithful.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When camping in high elevations, be prepared for all weather conditions. Bring sterno to help start a fire during wet conditions.