The Climb

​The ClimbMy wife and I made a trip to a waterfall a few hours’ drive from our house. It was set to close to the public in a few days. The reason it was going to close is because it is a tough climb along slippery rocks and roots. Over the years people have been badly injured and some have died.
It is with these signs warning us my wife and I began the climb. The further we ascended along the side of the waterfall the more warning signs we saw. The trail grew steadily steeper and sketchier with each step. It wasn’t long before my wife was ready to stop. But I wouldn’t let her. As I helped her up rock ledges and navigate root foot holds I kept telling her, “I guarantee you it will be worth it.” Every time she wanted to stop people who had made the climb would encourage us to keep pressing on. She hung in there root after root, step after step, pressing on towards the unseen trusting my promise. I give her a lot of credit.
After stopping for multiple breaks, photo ops, and many views we summited the last waterfall. We were on top of the world. Sitting down a few feet from the ledge we broke out lunch. While she was distracted preparing the meal I reached into my pocket and pulled out a ring. Kneeling in front of her I asked her to marry me . . . again. As I slipped the ring on her finger I told her the climb would be worth it. The sweat and toil of a long arduous climb was met with a ring and a promise.
When we begin this life in Christ we soon come to realize the road is not smooth. It is met with difficulty and trials. Those who have gone before us, who have made the climb, encourage us to ‘run with perseverance the race marked out before us” (Hebrews 12:1). The Apostle Paul encourages us, “Do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly, we are being renewed day by day. For our momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them (our trials) all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is temporal” (2Corinthians 4:16-18).
Whatever you are facing, press on. I guarantee you it will be worth it. These temporary trials will cease and you will stand on the mountaintop of eternity.
Pastor Rob