 The man-made stairs, called "The Incline," are essentially a single staircase straight to the summit. (And you can continue on to Pike's Peak -- if your water supply and legs will hold out.) From the foot of the mountain, it looks easy. But your legs, lungs, and brain will tell you the truth pretty soon.
Some of us became Christians, looked at the life of Jesus followers and thought, "That's easy. It's straight and well-marked." But our eyes deceived us, because everyone who climbs the Incline uses the same stairs. They go through the same things -- just like life. Trusting Jesus as your Savior and serving Him as Lord does not change that. Death. Illness. Broken hearts and minds. Addiction. These flourish in our sin sick world and without Jesus, suffering and sin wins. But with Jesus, sin is defeated, and we have hope: the top of the mountain awaits those who do not give up. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." -- Galatians 6:9 In Manitou Springs, CO, you can scale a mountain in 16 minutes and 42 seconds. (If you are a world class athlete.) There is a sign at the bottom of the "hill" that says that 16:42 is the official record time. It took us 90 minutes...but you know, who's counting? Expectations matter. Too often in life we go into a job, relationship, or ministry opportunity with expectations. Sometimes we know we are expecting them (like to get a raise or a promotion) and sometimes we don't (like expecting people to appreciate our service to God). Often when we get angry it is because our expectations are going unfulfilled. We aren't getting what we think we deserve out of "this". As I considered this, I realized that when I get angry it should trigger me to reevaluate what I am expecting. The thing about expectations is that even if you know them, it's hard to change them. It's easy to say, "Oh, it's okay if I don't get to the top in 16:42." But when you get to the top in 90:33, you feel a tinge of defeat because those deep rooted desires are still there. Lord, please change my desires to what they should be in my everyday life. Ps. Sorry this is so late...had a computer meltdown.  |
The AuthorCome with me as we grow in fellowship with each other and our Savior to whom belongs the Amazing Escape from sin and death and the Amazing Journey into glorious life. Archives
September 2023
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