Strength for My Path: 52 Devotions from the Hiking Trail – Biblical outdoor reflections and nature facts to accompany you on your next hike

by Maureen E Wise

176 pages, Leather Bound

Published August 6, 2024

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Let yourself join in the hymn of praise that the forest is singing.”

I am most definitely NOT a hiker. I don’t do bugs. Or heat. Or sweat. Or the outdoors. I don’t like getting up close & personal with nature. I prefer to experience the peace and beauty of the mountains (which ARE my happy place) from the quiet comfort of a front porch (or back deck) rocking chair. Where I can return to the air conditioning at the immediate moment of my choosing. Knowing all of that about myself, I didn’t think I was the target audience for Strength for My Path – a collection of 52 devotions for the hiking trail. And while that’s still true, it really doesn’t matter when it comes to being blessed by this pretty little book. There are plenty of meaningful nuggets of spiritual wisdom here that spoke to my heart as I flipped through its pages.

Granted, this devotional book by Maureen E. Wise will impact hikers on an even deeper level because it speaks to them where they’re at. But even if you have an iota of knowledge about hiking (thanks, novels!), you will easily be able to follow the connections she makes between the hiking life and our spiritual walks with God. And who knows? You might find yourself inspired to go on a hike, armed with new ways to connect with Jesus as you do. (I won’t be joining you, but I’ll cheer you on from somewhere with air conditioning!)

One devotion that particularly spoke to me is entitled ‘God’s Love Behind the Bird Blind’. The title caught my eye, and I stopped my trek through the book to read it and it hit me right where I’m currently at in life with some dear loved ones. God used the author’s insights for that day to speak encouragement to me and confirm what He’s been saying to me in other ways. Other favorites of mine included not being a ‘ride-along seed’ in your faith (but study, research, and dig into the Word for yourself), what sunburns can teach us about unforgiveness, celebrating the diversity of the body of Christ, and ‘Hiking Shoes in the Trunk’ (aka, keep God’s Word in your heart so you’re ready when He asks you to share it). That’s just a small sampling though of how every devotion in this book has something that even the non-hikingest reader can glean and apply to his/her life. I also enjoyed reading the nature and hiking connections included after the Scripture, insight, and prayer that make up each day’s reading, though admittedly I (as an indoorsy person) related less to those snippets of trivia and tips than I did the devotions themselves.

Bottom Line: You don’t have to lace up hiking boots to appreciate the heart or wisdom of Strength for My Path. Maureen E. Wise offers 52 reflections that blend creation’s insights with meaningful spiritual truth, inviting readers to slow down, breathe deep, and notice God’s presence in every step of life’s journey. Like the readings themselves, the aesthetics of the book are so lovely and appealing, making it a wonderful gift idea as Christmas approaches. Whether you’re trekking up a mountain or sitting happily in the shade with a glass of diet coke, this devotional has something to refresh your soul. Strength for My Path reminds us that God meets us wherever we are – whether we prefer hiking boots, flip-flops, or fuzzy socks – and that His creation is always singing praise and preaching sermons if we’ll just stop to listen.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not the type of book I normally read, being a lover of fiction, but having just returned from the most amazing hiking trip, I felt inspired by a greater connection to the world around me and really looked forward to the read as something new. Unfortunately, I found the book to be hit and miss. I enjoyed the nature information and hiking tips, although many tips were informative rather than actual tips about hiking. That was ok, I still like information. I enjoyed the prayers in each chapter of gratitude. It was how I had felt on my hike. I enjoyed the start of each chapter which described some new aspect of hiking. I understood the ends of the chapters that were often a Christian lesson. The connection between the two, in most chapters, is where I struggled. It often felt like the author was reaching and the transitions felt awkward. On the whole, there were a lot of things I enjoyed about the book, but I struggled to read it due to the choppiness.

[Marva T · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to invite us to experience nature in fresh new ways. While this devotional will clearly appeal to hikers, it will also be appreciated by nature lovers and anyone who wants to slow down the pace of their lives. By carefully pairing timeless Scriptures with beautifully crafted imagery, Maureen Wise offers something many long for: more quality time savoring God's Word and enjoying His creation.

[R.A. Denny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful devotional for anyone who loves nature! I really enjoyed the format for each devotional which includes a Bible verse, an application, and some fun facts about nature. I love the compact size and the beautiful leather cover! I'm so glad I purchased this!

[Beth Medrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very calm and relaxing book. How fun to read one devotion a day. A great way to connect to God and nature.

[Hannah Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy nature and outdoors this book is for you! It shows you the beauty of God and nature together and is very encouraging! Great book!