My husband and I took to the bike trails recently. We coasted along, drinking in the beauty of the trees and undergrowth lining the trail. The first couple of miles were smooth sailing, with the wind at our backs and nothing but nature and each other’s company to enjoy.
Then came the hills. Each downhill slant met with a challenging uphill grind. An occasional break helped rejuvenate me and eased the tightness in my calves. But the farther we traveled, the more rubbery my legs became.
Then came the trip back. It was then I discovered just how lacking in physical ability I was as the twenty mph tailwind that had propelled us forward became a headwind that turned on us like a summer storm. I grew to dread each downhill sign, knowing an uphill one was soon to follow. At times, I wondered if I had the strength to make it, but little by little, I trudged along…while my patient husband encouraged me and waited for me to catch up!
What a picture of life. When life is good, we coast along thinking we’ve got things under control. We fool ourselves into thinking we can do this…all on our own. But then come the challenges, those grueling uphill hardships–health problems, financial worries, relational problems–and we wonder how we’re going to make it.
But our Savior is ever there, waiting patiently for us to call out to Him for help, reassurance and guidance. Our hope, our very existence, is in Him. Without Him we flounder and fail. But even then, He’s there, ready to pick us up and set us back on our feet. In the tough times, it’s His strength that will carry us through. All we need do is call out to Him.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)
What challenge do you need to entrust to the Savior today? What gives you courage to go on?
Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.
UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
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