Lost On The Ridge

"Rattlesnake Ridge is beautiful to hike..."

I love hiking and exploring the beautiful outdoors of Arkansas. Early settlers named Little Rock for its hilly countryside and beautiful mountainous scenery.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when all gyms were shut down, I sought alternative forms of exercise. And to my great delight, I began to discover all kinds of trails, parks, and hilly mountains and ravines to hike and explore. After downloading an app called “All Trails”, it was fun to research places to hike in and around Little Rock. The app would rate the time, length, and difficulty of various places I was eager to explore.

One fall day, I headed out to the outskirts of the city to a mountainous park called Rattlesnake Ridge. Studying the large posted map, I wondered which of the trails I should follow. Then, grabbing a printed map, I set out on one of the easier trails. It was delightful how the pathway wound in and out of the hilly terrain as I crossed over numerous bridges built over ravines and creek beds. The trail slowly ascended the mountainside. But at various intervals, I grabbed the printed map from my pocket, questioning where the trail was leading me. Sometimes there were intersections for other paths, but with no signage. Still delighting in the sights and sounds of nature, I pressed on.

Stopping at another intersection of paths and checking my phone app, I noted with a bit of alarm that it was no longer tracking my route accurately. Worry began to niggle at the back of my mind. I hadn’t seen a soul in over an hour. I pressed on. As I entered another section of the ridge, I began to note that I had circled this ridge previously. Pulling out my phone and the map again, I tried to determine which trail I was on and questioned exactly “where” I was in the park.

"I checked for directions again..."

Pulling my water bottle from my vest pocket, I took the last swig. “This isn’t good. And I haven’t seen a soul in well over an hour except far across the valley on another ridge,” I said to myself. Now worry began to press in on my mind. “It’s late in the afternoon. I’m lightly dressed and have no more snacks or water left.” I pulled my phone out again to try to check my location. Alarmed, I noted that less than 20% was left on the battery life. “I’m in trouble!”

Now full-blown panic set in: I was alone, lost, out of food and water, and ill-equipped. I quickly texted a group of friends, sending out an SOS for prayer and help to find my way out of Rattlesnake Ridge as dusk was quickly approaching. The hour-long hike had already passed the three-hour marker. Friends immediately responded with prayers, and one friend was poised to come rescue me or send in a search team.

Relieved I had friends praying, I stumbled along the trail crying and praying aloud to my Father to send me help or a sign. In the next few minutes, I rounded the bend and saw a park employee ascending the trail with some tools. Relieved, I called out for help. The woman approached and quickly assured me I was nearing the end and offered to lead me out. Tears of relief flooded my eyes as I explained I had been lost for nearly two hours. Leah explained that I wasn’t the only person who frequently got lost. “The trails and maps don’t match, and people were always getting confused. We have to send in rescue teams regularly. I keep advocating for better trail markings, and we’re reprinting the maps,” she explained. A little relieved, I sighed, “I’m just so thankful you came along when you did! You’re an answer to prayer!” After Leah led me out, I asked if I could hug her. “You were truly sent by God! You’re my angel in disguise.”

While I still love exploring trails and the outdoors, I’m much more cautious now and go better equipped and prepared—making sure I have essentials and a fully charged phone. My friends and family members caution me to only choose the easy, well-populated trails, unless I’m with another more experienced hiker. Getting lost seems to be a genuine talent I possess, and one that leads me to lots of prayer adventures as well.

Do you ever feel like you're lost? God's Word is our map, and His Holy Spirit is our guide. He serves as our compass. And you, too, can call out to the Father. He always hears and answers. He sends the help we need, and just in time.

"He will guide you and help you..."

Beloved:

Just know that no matter where life leads you, I am always with you. I will guide you and help you through the valleys of life or on mountaintop experiences. I will lead you through your wilderness experiences. You’re never so lost that I will not answer you or send someone to your aid. You can always cry out to Me. Help is on the way.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)

“I will seek the lost and bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.” (Ezekiel 34:16)