It’s exhilarating when we divert from old sinful paths and head toward the route God now sets before us. We grow sick and tired of looking at the same old scenery on the same old roads. After all, we are well-acquainted with every pothole the road brought us. We’ve wandered around the same mountain countless times.
Yes, a fresh path holds the potential for exciting adventures. You never know what will be around the next bend! There are pleasant streams to rest beside, and there is always the promise of spectacular views just beyond the rolling hills in the distance. Fresh and rested, you set off, humming a jaunty worship tune as you wander along the road. You can’t help but give thanks; God has made all things new, and you never have to see the old dreary landscape again. It’s a relatively undemanding incline as you make your way out of the valley. The ease of gentle lowlands might tempt you to stay, but the Lord calls us all to go higher with Him.
Broad trails meander along gently rolling hills, giving way to challenging paths up steeper foothills, which give way to narrow, rock-strewn mountain trails. The air is thinner in the mountains, and you feel more exertion than exhilaration as you go higher up. Even though every muscle in your body aches, you choose to take the next step and the next step following that one. There might be times you long for the good old days, but your Guide encourages you to keep going. He reminds you of His sure promise of reward for those who persevere when times get tough.
Romans 5:1-5 -“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
If you choose to press on, your body will adapt to the rigours of the high road, and you will withstand more than you had previously thought possible. The more you allow Him to lead you, the more you recognise His voice. You’ll discern His paths with greater ease, as they are usually the paths that require the most courage and trust. At the beginning of your journey, unbelief and fear might have tempted you to walk away in defeat. But now, you press through, strengthened by His promise. The higher you go with Him, the more His grace becomes the air you breathe. You develop a resiliency that can’t be attained by roaming aimlessly along the gentle paths so far below.
Colossians 1: 11-12 (MSG) – “We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth, but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Keep heading upwards!
All Bible references are from the NASB 1995 version unless indicated otherwise.
Until next week,
©2022 Katherine Walden