I'm Headed Uphill, I Hope You are Too!

I had conversation with an older friend a few weeks ago and he told me about a recent visit to the doctor.  He is getting up there in years and his doctor made the comment that his body was going downhill.  My friend's response was one that is worth repeating. He let his doctor know, that it may appear that way, but in actuality he is headed uphill.  See since he met Jesus the "hill" he has been on has always been headed up.  Hard at times as it definitely seems easier to go down than up, but what lies at the bottom of the downhill is a fate that was redeemed when he said YES to Jesus.  He reminded me that we go up towards the light and even if his body was beginning to fail he would continue the trek UP.

I have to say that it really stuck with me, this idea of going uphill.  The road UP is not the easy road. When you're in ministry the uphill can feel like it's happening in the middle of a hurricane at times. However, I have thought about the difference between uphill and downhill and want to share some of the things that UPHILL has to offer, besides the obvious when we get to the TOP! ;)

1. The trek UP requires perseverance.  Romans 5:3-4 "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."  Did you catch that...perseverance is building character and that produces HOPE.

2. When we stumble going UP there are others to help us up.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."   (When we stumble going downhill, it looks similar to a downhill skier who loses control)

3. The UP is the narrow road we are to walk as followers of Jesus.  Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Be encouraged today as we are on the uphill climb of life headed towards Jesus. You aren't meant to walk it alone, but on the arms of fellow believers.  If today you are feeling like you are walking the path alone, I encourage you to take a moment to look around. I have a feeling that there are others just waiting for you to reach out and link arms with you.