I went hiking with my wife at on the Blue Ridge Parkway once. After we got out of the car, we walked to the trial head there was a sign that had various trails with their difficulty and their distance posted. My wife and I were feeling pretty good that day so we picked a trail that marked "difficult." Half up the hill when I was at the point of exhaustion, This thought went through my mind. "Why did you choose this path stupid?" Allowing that thought open my mind to a myriad of other negative thoughts. All connected with how I would not be able to finish the climb. "You are to old, you are to out of shape, you will not be able to finish, why are you putting your wife through this?" You know the deal. I had to decide if I was going to turn back or go on. Stubborn me decided to press on. We climbed one foot in front of the other never able to see the place we were headed until finally we reached "The opening." Stepping over the crest, I saw one of the most beautiful waterfalls I had ever seen. It took my breath away. My exhaustion immediately went away as I sat to enjoy one of the greatest views of my live. I was overwhelmed with the sight. The paths we pick seldom show their results until we reach "the opening" Don't stop when you know your path is the right one, no matter what. It is the only way to experience the goal God has planned for you.
Okay, I'll bite and post first (heh): The whole concept of that climb is intriguing and parallels so much in our lives. Being on the right path is important, but so is trusting God when the ‘climbs’ in life are difficult. We must press on knowing that it is not only God’s will, but His ways and commands we are following (which, of course, IS His will). If we are doing what He has told or shown us through His Word or other means, then it will almost certainly be an uphill battle in this world. However, once we reach the pinnacle, we can look back and know that He was with us encouraging and strengthening us the whole time. The descent from that pinnacle is almost always easier than the ascent. God holds onto us and guides us as we journey through the ups and the downs. So if (or rather, when) I stray from the path, I hope to never let go of Him or the fact that “…in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). What a calling and what a loving and forgiving Father we have!
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