I think that most of us as followers of Jesus want to know that we are on the right path…we want to know that we are moving in the right direction with our spiritual formation. Psalm 25:4 says “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.” Yet I doubt that many of us would choose a narrow, rocky, uphill path. But at times that’s exactly what our path will look and feel like…it will feel like a climb up Mt. Everest.
That’s the climb that Job found himself on. Job is portrayed as a wealthy man of upright character who loves God. Yet God allows satan to destroy all of Job’s flocks, take all his possessions, kill all his children, and destroy his health. In spite of all of his loss he says, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and The Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of The Lord.”
What’s your typical response to the climb?
2 responses so far ↓
Tracey // August 28, 2009 at 1:04 pm |
As I’m considering what my “typical” response is to “the climb” I’m thankful that I can see it has changed and will hopefully continue changing (to be going the right direction with spiritual formation). I think I used to try and control things, situations, etc. all on my own. Now I pray more. I seek God more. I don’t think I’m at all where Job was with his response but I do realize that God is the only one who is truly in control. I seek Him more and know that He’s there for me! That helps in whatever “climb” I’m faced with. Thanks for the post to get me thinking!
Sug and Woody // August 28, 2009 at 2:32 pm |
The “climb”…..hmmmm….now that’s an interesting thing to ponder! Just like our own children, we as God’s children sometimes want to take the path of least resistance. We take the EASY way out instead of standing tall and straight and fighting for what we KNOW is right. And of course, Satan always uses that to his advantage and against us.
I remember my Mother saying in a drunken stupor, “The life of a Christian ain’t easy!” No truer words were ever spoken, even if they did come from an alcoholic. But it’s true. God never promised we wouldn’t stumble and fall. Yet, He did promise He would never leave us or forsake us.
I must admit I have been guilty of taking the “easy” road. Every time I did, it got me in big trouble. I can’t say that I ALWAYS take the correct path EVERY time. But I will say that I strive to do that and just like Miley Cyrus sings……..”It’s not about what’s waiting on the other side…..It’s the climb!”
Connie