“Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.”
Samuel Johnson
This summer while visiting Banff, Alberta, Canada, we went on a hike up the Valley of the Ten Peaks with our cycling group. Right from the get go I was huffing and puffing. Between the altitude and the steep climb, I wondered if I had made a mistake. I thought maybe I didn’t have what it took to make the climb. I pondered turning back and retreating to our room at the Moraine Lake Lodge. I wanted to give up because it was too hard.
The guide stopped along the way giving us his “griz quiz.” The grizzly bear facts were interesting, but frankly having my heart rate lowered was the real benefit. Periodically we’d stop and look back from where we came from but couldn’t see much as the pine trees blocked our sight. We had to get up above the tree line in order to see the view. So we kept on hiking upward and I kept on huffing and puffing. Finally after two hours we made it above the tree line. And oh my, was the view worth it! Surrounded by Ten Peaks and seeing the pristine aqua-colored Lake Moraine took my breath away.
Life at times is like that. You work and work and huff and puff and at last you reach your goal. Climbing mountains is never easy. It takes determination. It takes hard work and sacrifice. It takes trust, confidence and dependence upon God. But oh my, is the view ever worth it.
The call of God on your life also requires perseverance and sacrifice. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” In order to rip through the tape at the finish line, obedience, determination and dependence upon God are essential. Whatever you want the most will require the most from you, but it will be well worth it.
What mountain peak are you currently climbing? Is it managing the treatment for your cancer? Is it having a healthy, close marriage relationship? Is it having your heart made whole by forgiving those who have offended you? Is it an exercise goal? Is it being the best employee at your current job? Is it parental consistency with disciplining your children? Is it wanting to get to know God on a more intimate level? Take it one step at a time and stop when needed to catch your breath. Whatever it may be, ask God for His help and strength to persevere and ascend the mountain you’re facing. I guarantee you will love the view at the top!
“The will to perseverance is often the difference between failure and success.”
David Sarnoff
Relevant Reflections:
1. What mountain are you presently ascending?
2. List the essentials you need to carry with you in your backpack in order to reach the top peak.
3. In your particular climb, what does perseverance look like?
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