Monday, May 23, 2011

Committing to the Uphill Climb

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength...they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)

I did not give any credibility to the prophesy that the rapture was going to happen on May 21.  However, I must say that I was disappointed that Jesus didn't return.  I have to confess to the longing for that trumpet sound and for Him to "step out on a cloud to call His children," as one of my favorite songs says.  But He didn't.  And we're still here.

As I took my walk this morning, I was faced with the decision to return home or to go an extra lap.  That would incur another uphill climb.  I decided to press on.  Before I knew it, I was past the incline and heading downhill...surrounded by lovely, cool breezes and the smell of gardenias.  There was also the satisfaction that I made a little more progress toward my goal, and that I found strength that I didn't know I had.

Sometimes when I look at the "hills" in life, I really just want to go home...my heavenly home.  And as I look around me, so many are not just facing hills, but giant mountains.  Tornados that rip through homes, businesses, hospitals...stealing lives literally and figuratively.  Three young dads at my daughter's school are facing cancer.  A friend's one year old baby girl is fighting for her life after a diagnosis of a neuroblastoma.  Families are broken...children struggling through things that a child should never have to deal with. 

Heaven will bring healing...hearts mended...eternity in the presence of Jesus.

But not yet.

So let's get ready for the climb.  Let's press on until He comes.

Listen to a few more lines from Isaiah 40.
"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom."  We must trust the One who knows all...the One who created...the everlasting One...the One who provides our strength...the One who is pursuing us and who desires to make us one with Him until the day of His return.

I think He would say, "Keep climbing.  I'm coming!"  And then I think we'll realize the accomplishment of our endurance...and feel the eternal cool breezes and smell the aroma of heaven.

Lord, we can't do this life alone.  We need You.  And You planned it that way.  Your plan is perfect.  Help us to trust in Your way.  Strengthen us.  Guide us.  We long for You.  We love You. 

4 comments:

Raymond said...

You've hit the nail on the head. We must all press onward and UPWARD. The many paths we face may not always be sweet smelling yet if we believe and have much faith in God we can and will make it over the hills and the mountains.

Kathy said...

The words to the song "His Strength is perfect when our strength is gone. He'll carry us when we can't carry on. Raised in his power, the weak become strong. His strength is perfect, his strength is perfect." A great article for the current struggles. Thanks as always.

Kristi Butler said...

Thank you, Raymond and Kathy, for your words. We all need the encouragement to press on and keep climbing...in His strength.

Amy said...

Sweet encouragement! I love your perspective and the scriptures you used. It's a fresh breeze to my soul this morning.