Onward & Upward

Tag: Gospel

  • Just Get Over This Hill

    On Saturday I did my long run in preparation for a half-marathon at the end of this month (April 27). I put in nearly sixteen miles and over a thousand feet of elevation. Logging miles is actually not too daunting, in fact increasing mileage has been an injury-free and enjoyable experience.

    I don’t run on a treadmill or track, I run roads, both paved and dirt, across flat terrain and over hills. Hills are not enjoyable. Hills are valuable. Physically speaking they increase strength in my legs, are better on my knees because they are less impacting, and give my heart a good workout. Mentally they stretch me as well. As I approach the hill I think on it, look at its length, pitch, and any spots where the hill flattens even for a few strides. The first steps up the hill are uneventful, but once I am halfway up the “summit” my pace slows, my breathing and heart rate increases, and my body begins to rebel.

    There is a back-and-forth between my body and mind.

    “Walk,” says the body to the mind.

    “Nope. We already agreed not to do so. We both know that it’s for the best.”

    “You only have to walk this hill. It’s worst one, and you’ll run the rest of them.”

    The back and forth continues, and repeats at every hill. Thus far, the mind through discipline has brought the body into subjection. It won’t always be this way, I’m sure of that.

    Hills provide value physically and mentally, but they are furthermore instructive spiritually. Life is a race, Christian. It is to be run with patience, (Hebrews 12:1) through discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) and for Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2). The race is chock full of hills, but before you entered the race at salvation God had mapped your course (Psalm 37:23) and it is a great run! It’s length and elevation at times bring thoughts of quitting, no doubt, but through the strength of Christ you can finish (2 Timothy 4:7).

    It’s not perhaps “the key,” but I’ll tell you what has been “a key” for me when it comes to the hills: just get over this one. (Proverbs 27:1, Matthew 6:34). Hills have helped me grasp what the Word of God has taught me about today. Focus on today, and the hill that it is, and not tomorrow, what comes after this hill. Listen today to what God is revealing of Himself to you.

    So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. -Psalm 90:12

  • The Kindness of Your Cross

    Though we often look at “taking up our cross” in terms of its difficulties, there is actually kindness in it (if we will see with clear eyes). From “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23,” by W. Phillip Keller, we read this definition of taking up our cross:

    Basically what it amounts to is this: A person exchanges the fickle fortunes of living life by sheer whimsy for the more productive and satisfying adventure of being guided by God.

    Is this not true? Is it not true that while we take up a cross that the yoke of Jesus is easy and his burden light (Matthew 11:30). As hard as it seems to follow Jesus and live according to wisdom and righteousness it is far more enjoyable than reaping the wages of foolish and unrighteousness living. Look around. See the brokenness in the world, in countries, in towns, in families? Sin brings misery and eventually death, but Christ gives rest, relief and life.

    Is there a cross in this life to take up? Without a doubt. Is it sometimes heavy? Sure. Yet it is not the same kind of burden as a load of sin. The cross, the “adventure of being guided by God,” is a kindness for which we can be grateful.