Last year, I had the privilege of climbing Osmeña Peak, the highest point in Cebu, together with my Life Group and some close friends.
We had been told that the hike from the jump-off point to the campsite would only take about 15 to 30 minutes.
“That doesn’t sound too bad,” I thought.
What we didn’t account for was that we would be hiking at night.
We arrived at around 6 or 7 p.m., and by then it was already dark. Since none of us were familiar with the trail, we hired local guides to lead us and help carry some of our bags.
There were around twenty of us, and everyone was excited.
That excitement lasted… for maybe the first few minutes.
Once we started carrying our bags and climbing the narrow, uphill trail, excitement quickly gave way to exhaustion.
The path was dark. There were no lights except the ones we brought. We couldn’t see how much farther we had to go. Some hikers moved quickly while others, like me, took things one slow step at a time.
At one point, I remember hearing someone jokingly say,
“Can we just camp here instead?”
Honestly, I understood exactly how they felt.
I could barely carry everything I had. I was trying so hard just to catch my breath that I didn’t have enough energy left to help carry anyone else’s load.
So instead, I did something simple.
I clipped my rechargeable lamp to the back of my backpack so those walking behind me could see the trail. I kept my phone’s flashlight pointing forward so I could see where I was going.
Eventually—step by step, by God’s grace—we all reached the campsite safely.
We were exhausted.
Cold.
Hungry.
But grateful.
That night we shared food, laughed together, worshiped God, sang songs, and enjoyed each other’s company beneath a sky covered with thick fog.
The next morning, we climbed to the summit.
As the sun rose, the fog slowly cleared, revealing one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen.
Standing there, surrounded by God’s creation, I couldn’t help but worship.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” — Psalm 19:1
Looking back, I realized that the hike was a beautiful picture of our journey with Christ.
Life is a journey.
And every one of us is carrying something.
Some carry responsibilities.
Some carry disappointments.
Some carry grief.
Some carry dreams.
Others are carrying burdens that were never meant for them in the first place.
Unforgiveness.
Bitterness.
Envy.
Pride.
Fear.
Sometimes we become so used to carrying these things that we forget Jesus has invited us to lay them down.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
Not every burden we’re carrying comes from God.
Some of them are baggage we’ve picked up along the way.
As I reflected on our hike, I also thought about our guides.
Without them, we probably would have taken wrong turns or made the journey much harder than it needed to be.
In the same way, God faithfully leads us through life’s uncertain paths.
We may not always see what’s ahead, but He does.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6
Another thing that stood out to me was how our group cared for one another.
Some who still had strength carried the cooler.
Someone carried a child on his back.
Others encouraged those who were falling behind.
No one was expected to walk alone.
Isn’t that how the Body of Christ is supposed to be?
Paul reminds us,
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
Sometimes carrying someone’s burden means helping financially.
Sometimes it means praying with them.
Sometimes it’s simply listening.
Sometimes it’s reminding them not to give up.
And sometimes, when your own hands are already full, you may not be able to carry someone else’s load.
But you can still shine your light.
Looking back, I smiled when I remembered the lamp attached to the back of my backpack.
I wasn’t carrying anyone else’s bag.
But that light helped the people behind me see where to step.
What a beautiful reminder that our lives can do the same.
Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14–16
You don’t have to have all the answers to point someone toward Jesus.
Sometimes your faithfulness…
your kindness…
your encouragement…
your testimony…
may be the light someone else needs to keep moving forward.
Today, people are walking different parts of their journey.
Some are climbing steep mountains.
Some are resting in quiet valleys.
Some are celebrating victories.
Others are barely taking their next step.
But where you are matters far less than Who is walking with you.
Whether you’re on the mountaintop or in the valley, Jesus has never stopped being Emmanuel—God with us.
He promised,
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5
So wherever you are today, don’t become so focused on your next step that you forget to look around.
Pause for a moment.
Notice how far God has already brought you.
Thank Him for the people He has placed beside you.
Let go of the burdens He never asked you to carry.
Keep your eyes on the path He has prepared.
And every now and then…
look up.
The same God who waits for you on the mountaintop has been walking with you every step of the way.
