“Mountain goats can jump 12 feet on one leap. They are the largest mammal in high altitude environments, sometimes above 13,000 feet. The high elevation protects them from predators. They are the most sure-footed animal in North America. Mountain goats are not in the same genus as goats. In the bovidae family, mountain goats are associated with antelopes, gazelles and cattle.”
Last year my husband and I went hiking with our son, his wife, and their toddler Elijah, to the badlands and Custer State Park. I thoroughly enjoyed hiking and seeing the grandeur of God’s masterpieces in nature. Nothing is more exhilarating than nature’s majestic beauty coupled with a cardio workout. Lots of photos were snapped, beef jerky eaten, and memories made. We had our special hiking shoes, camelback backpacks, and layers of warm clothes.
Sometimes each step was carefully calculated as we climbed uphill through narrow passageways, grabbing hold of tree limbs, navigating through large boulders. Oftentimes we saw mountain goats high upon the cliffs and wondered how in the world they got up there. Then we saw them sleeping on the ridges. It is wild to think that animals choose this way of life, but that is how God made them.
The last couple of years, I have felt like my feet were kicked out from under me. I could not seem to get my footing. It did not feel like I had any direction. I watched and prayed, prayed and watched. It seemed like a hike where the rocks were loose, the trail was hidden, and there were unexpected surprises on the trail of life with lots of scary situations. God kept me safe, for He is my refuge, but there were lots of unknowns.
This year I sense God saying, “I am giving My people sure footedness.” Just like the mountain goat, your footing is secure in Me. No matter what the terrain is, no matter if you are in a valley, or climbing a mountain, your footing is secure in me. I will cause your steps to hold and not slip. I will enable you to see what’s up ahead. Do not let your eyes dwell on the darkness, the doom and gloom the enemy is portraying. Do not fret or be anxious for I can help you navigate any climate, terrain, mountain or valley. Not only will you be secure in your footing, but you will help others in their distress to find Me and in finding Me, they will find their new life in Christ.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news. Who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Is. 52:7 NKJV