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The other day some friends took me on what I thought would be a short climb. We parked the car and looked at the summit.
It doesn’t seem that far or that difficult. Good! I thought.
We started walking along the path uphill and my legs soon began to hurt, I lacked breath, and all the while I was still hoping it would be a short climb. Then the path changed into a rockier, winding trail. We were still in the woods that, although green and beautiful, were enveloping us and keeping us from seeing any kind of view around us. It wasn’t until we came out of the woods and stopped by a gorgeous lookout point that we could see the progress we’d made and the height yet to conquer in order to reach the top.
Those few minutes spent admiring the breathtaking view over the lake beneath us encouraged us, even though the summit still seemed quite far.
Then the path turned into a climb. At this point I could feel myself beginning to panic a little. The sky had been gathering dark clouds, and right then ominous raindrops started falling, making the rock slippery. We met others along the way, some experienced climbers, some attempting it for the first time. The uncertainty of the weather made everyone feel a common trepidation. It wasn’t an easy climb and it required some stretching for sure, but the view got more intriguing and majestic over time.
At one point, on a particularly difficult passage, my more experienced friend whispered in my ear, “You are doing good, you know. There are others climbing today who are having a much harder time.” Those few words had a profound effect on me: they got my eyes off my personal struggle. I took a look at the young girl climbing for the first time, who looked worried. I smiled at her and said a few words.
And finally, we were at the top!
There’s always something exhilarating about reaching the summit, no matter how tough the climb, but this time a magical sense of peace inundated my soul, bringing tears to my eyes. By God’s help I made it. He was with me all the way. He lifted me when I thought I couldn’t make it one more step. I was now able to see the whole path that had brought me to the top. Many turns were needed in order to get up there, and they made the journey richer—not easier, but definitely more interesting and exciting.
On the way back to the car I couldn’t help but reflect on some of the events that have taken place in my life. When you are in the thick of the forest and on a hard uphill climb, it’s often difficult to make sense of things or to understand where you are and how you can find the strength and conviction to keep going. All you can feel is the sweat, the strain, the tiredness. In that moment it’s so easy to give up and turn back, and to be honest, a few times I have been tempted to do so!
I can only thank Jesus for the power of His Word that gave me strength to persevere! I also thank my dear friends for the encouragement they’ve given me along the way. Their prayers, love, and example have definitely helped me make it this far!—Anna Perlini
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The rugged climb doesn’t dissuade the determined mountain climber; he revels in the challenge. Nothing can stop him from pressing on until he reaches his goal. No adversity can cause him to turn back. When he looks at the steep cliffs ahead, he doesn’t focus on the danger but on the toeholds and narrow rock ledges that will take him to the peak. He isn’t held back by the harshness of his surroundings or the toll the climb is taking on his body; he is propelled onward and upward by the thought of triumph.
There are many obstacles to surmount in life, but each one you conquer is another one behind you. When the going gets tough, lean on Me. Let Me lead the way and guide you up the rugged cliffs. I know all the danger spots and how to get past them. Together we will surmount each obstacle, together we will reach the summit, and together we will plant the flag of victory!—Jesus
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Several places in Scripture refer to God making our feet “like hinds’ feet” (Habakkuk 3:19; 2 Samuel 22:34; Psalm 18:33). More modern translations speak of “the feet of a deer.” This metaphoric language describes the blessings the presence of God brings to a situation. … The deer can climb sheer rocky cliffs and never stumble or fall. … She can scamper across what appears to be a vertical cliff, unafraid and undeterred by seemingly impassable terrain. …
When we run with hinds’ feet on high places, treading “on the heights,” we live above our circumstances. God gives us the grace, courage, and inner strength we need to press on to attain new heights and experience new vistas. With the swiftness of a deer, we can escape our enemies and gain freedom. All this is because “the Sovereign LORD is my strength” (Habakkuk 3:19).
Regardless of what others may do, we keep our eyes securely fastened on the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2). … We shake off the temptation to live for ourselves, and like a deer on a mountain slope, we step boldly into whatever God has called us to do. … With God’s promises as our strong foundation, we can walk in freedom and courage, as unafraid and undaunted as a deer leaping on high places.—GotQuestions.org1
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2 Peter 1:3 says that “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.”
God’s divine power is available to us. To you and me. Right now, through the knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is in Jesus that we find everything we need to live a godly life.
Of course, I realize godliness in the midst of a world overflowing with sin, pain, and corruption may feel like a daunting and impossible feat. That’s why I’m so thankful Peter lets us know that godliness in the midst of great darkness is possible. Because of Jesus, we can escape “the corruption that is in the world” (2 Peter 1:4). Jesus is our source of life and godliness.
We don’t have to fight an uphill battle on our own to live good and pure lives. We don’t have to exhaust ourselves as we try to muster up as much goodness as we possibly can. The Christian life has never been about what we can do in our own power. It’s about fully stepping into the grace-filled flow of His power. This, friends, is what it really looks like to cooperate with the Holy Spirit.
Do you feel exhausted from trying to be good enough? Does living a life that is pleasing to God feel impossibly hard?
Well, I have good news for you today. Jesus never once says, “Perform for Me to save yourself.” Instead, He tenderly whispers, “Draw near to Me” (James 4:8). He wants us to learn from Him. He wants us to discover who He is and all that we have in Him. He wants us to cling to the precious promises He has given us and receive from Him all we need to live for Him today.—Lysa TerKeurst2
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I am training you in the discipline of perseverance. You are on a long uphill journey, and sometimes it seems endless to you. Looking back, you can see some times of ease and refreshment. Looking ahead, however, you see only a continuous ascent. The top of the mountain you are climbing is nowhere in sight. I know how hard it is for you to keep going day after day. So I say to you, “Do not become weary and discouraged in your soul.”
You live in a culture dedicated to entertainment and pleasure-seeking. In such a climate, a life of struggle feels alien. If you are not careful, you will succumb to self-pity, a sinful snare. To avoid falling into this trap, remember that I am Sovereign and I am lovingly present with you. Your ongoing struggle is not a mistake or a punishment. Try to view it, instead, as a rich opportunity: Your uphill journey keeps you aware of your neediness, so you look to Me for help. The difficulties in your life make your heavenly home more precious and real to you. Even now, as you are trustingly whispering My Name, I embrace you in everlasting Love.—Jesus3
Published on Anchor January 2025. Read by Gabriel Garcia Valdivieso. Music by Michael Fogarty.
2 https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2023/02/23/how-can-i-really-live-a-life-that-pleases-god
3 Sarah Young, Jesus Today (Thomas Nelson, 2012).
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