A few years ago my husband and I vacationed with friends in the Rocky Mountains. Our ski pass enabled us to ski at various resorts including Breckenridge, Vail, and Keystone. On our third day of skiing we were ambushed at Keystone.
A few minutes before 3:00 pm Chris and I decided to ride the Outpost Gondola over to the North Peak. Having never skied this area before, the gondola attendant reminded us that the North Peak is a blue/black trail only. We were also advised the gondola closes at 3:00 pm. We would have no other choice but the ski back. No problem we thought.
We were surprised to discover only one slope was open. The other slopes on the North Peak were closed, due to poor visibility. The gondola was now closed and we had no choice but to ski down. Although, I’ve been skiing since I was a teenager, I prefer to stay on the green (easy) or blue (more difficult) trails. I have never skied a black diamond (most difficult) trail.
My pa
lms felt damp inside my insulated gloves. I gripped the ski poles and nervously told my husband, “You go first.” I watched as Chris pushed off with his snowboard down a slope which looked more like a cliff. I was scared. “Nice and easy” I told myself. I slowly descended down the mountain, carving back and forth in the powdered snow. Fear and intimidation flooded my mind. I had to forcefully remove those thoughts as I descended from 12,000 feet. I began to sing a song to Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength…and courage even on this slope at Keystone.”
Once at the base of the mountain we looked at the trail map to discover we’d been ambushed! Literally! The slope we had skied was a black diamond slope called Ambush! I could not believe it! Nervous exhilaration raced through me as I realized what a great accomplishment this was for me (and without falling)! Had I known the only slope open on this mountain was a black diamond I would have never attempted it. Fear 
and intimidation would have held me back.
The evil one wants to ambush our thoughts and fill our minds with deception, fear, lies and intimidation. Don’t fall for his trap. It will hold you back from God’s greater purpose for your life. Keep your mind focused on God and filled with His truth.
Enjoyed this April. Wonderful analogy. While I don’t ski, I can relate to the enemy’s ambush of fear in my life. Thank you.
Thank you Karen. I enjoy reading your articles. We need to be on guard at all times.
Okay, girl, you did it! I loved this devotional and it goes along with our Bible Study on the strategies of the devil. He’s always trying to trip us up but God is great and will carry us through.
Brenda, you’re right, this fits in perfectly with this week’s lesson. I think I’ll share this with the girls.