The Trailwalker – Perseverance

One step in front of the other, a rather mundane and repetitive activity that leads us to log thousands upon thousands of miles that make up a series of races called life. As we travel the distance from the starting line to the finish line, we journey through ordinary plateaus, brief inspirational moments on the mountain top, and what can feel like a never-ending season in the valley. One virtue sees us through the race, and that is perseverance.

Several decades ago, I took on the challenge of completing the MacLehose Trail, a daunting 100-kilometer ultra trail race that meandered across the diverse landscape of Hong Kong’s New Territories. Every year people from all walks of life embark on the race, raising money for local charities with the hopes of crossing the finish.

The starting line

Race day is everything one imagines it to be, with hundreds of people all abuzz, pursuing the same goal. As each team approached the starting line, you could feel the crowd’s excitement, ready to take on the MacLehose Trail. The anticipation of what the journey would bring was palpable. As the teams awaited the start, the mental game played in the minds of each participant, combatting the doubts, anticipating the challenges, and spurring on their determination. The energy was empowering, and the grueling miles ahead seemed attainable.

Many miles to go

As I think about the distance traveled on this race, I remember the breathtaking views, the hidden beaches and small villages, the untouched forests that whispered solitude, and the mesmerizing sunset that made us pause and appreciate God’s creation.

Minutes after the sun dipped below the horizon, the array of color faded, and we bid adieu to any remaining traces of light. When the darkness set in, the excitement of the race quickly faded, and the only thing that remained in my line of vision, front and center, was doubt. Could I finish this race?

The darkness makes us question our ability, doubt our determination, and challenge our character. Life is very much like an ultra trail race, and viewing it through the lens of the trail offers us walks through varied landscapes. Some paths contain towering trees, vivid shades of green, and flowers bold and delicate alike, displaying a rainbow of color. Without warning, we can find ourselves walking along trails that lead to barren places. They are littered with gnarled and withered branches, drooping stalks, and fallen leaves.

Barren trails

I prefer to avoid the barren trails. They certainly do not make my top 10 list of hikes. However, God can do profound work in our hearts while traversing these paths. The lonely, desolate walk Jesus took to Calvary ushered the greatest of all works, life eternal. In times of darkness, worldly distractions lose their appeal, and God’s pursuit of our heart, mind, and soul become undeniably real if we notice.

These are times of soul searching, character building, repentance, healing, and growth, to name a few. As difficult as they are, avoiding the barren trails may rob us of life-giving sanctification.

The long night of perseverance

My exhilaration and euphoria were quickly met with a failing body. The last stage of the MacLehose race was finally in sight. After almost 100 kilometers logged in, my legs were no longer taking instruction from my mind. And the mental game that easily kept my doubt at bay while awaiting the start of the race had faltered. Thoughts of quitting and collapsing to the ground were more appealing than seeing the finish line.

When physical exhaustion brings you to tears, when mental and emotional fatigue renders you numb, there is only one more thing to do, not give up and dig into perseverance. Thirty hours after the start of the race, my team, which dwindled from 4 to 2, crossed the finish line. Somehow, the will to finish triumphed over the desire to quit.

Life consists of crossing many finish lines. Some finish lines are easy, while others are grueling. Each step of the way causes us pain and we doubt our ability to finish. However, looking back over the races we have run may prove that we are more capable than we give ourselves credit.

And perhaps, deep within the well of the human spirit, lies the gift of perseverance, a force that drives us to cross the finish lines we will face, fanned by the flames of the Holy Spirit whispering, place one step in front of the other, good and faithful servant.

God will hold you in his hand, and if He lets you stumble, it will be only so that you realize that you would collapse entirely if He did not hold you, and thus to make you tighten your grip on His hand.

— St. Francis de Sales