If you have ever walked across terrain that has become what is called “gumbo mud” you understand the unique challenge it presents. Gumbo mud forms from silty soil when it becomes wet forming a waxy and very sticky kind of mud. Gumbo glues itself to shoes, tires, and farm equipment making normal activities impossible to conduct. 

Last week, I was on a hike when a surprise rainstorm hit and saturated the trail. The soil turned into gumbo mud. The Vibram soles of my hiking shoes filled will sticky mud removing all hopes of gaining traction. When gumbo has its way, the accumulated mud increase in size making a shoe look like a snowshoe instead of a hiking shoe. As I tried to walk, I looked like someone skating with oversized skates across the slippery trail. My attempt to remain upright was a challenge. If it wasn’t for my hiking staff, I am not sure how the hike would have turned out. 

My experience with gumbo mud is what it feels like for some of you who are trying to move through a challenging season of life. The trails you had previously navigated with ease now feel almost impossible to traverse. Every attempt to move forward has become a slippery and frustrating effort. Your emotional footing has become unsure. 

Moses carried a staff with him when he journeyed through the wilderness. While the staff was used to perform miracles, it would be reasonable to believe Moses used his staff to steady his feet as he traversed challenging terrain. The staff was a tangible reminder for Moses that God was with him on his journey no matter where the trail led him.

If your footing has become unsure on this slippery section of your life’s trail, you will have stability if your trust is in God. He will comfort you with His presence and steady your feet giving you the traction needed to confidently move forward. This is not the first difficult trail the Lord has helped someone navigate. He knows how to move you forward and help you to remain upright in your faith when your trail gets slippery.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).