May 25th
There's A "Hill" Ahead?
There was once a Mr. Gladstone who when asked how he could account for his remarkable activity at his age and what was the secret, replied with this story.
There is a road leading out of London (if you are reading this from London, I add that the story took place a long time ago) that more horses died than any other.
In the investigation it was found that this road was perfectly level. Consequently the animals traveling over it used only one set of muscles. He went on to say that in his own life the hills of difficulty he had been forced to climb had developed his power and vigor in life.
It is possible to conclude, my friend, that in fact, difficulties AID US?? My response is yes, yes, and yes again. If life was all smooth sailing we would not develop the faith muscles. An individual confined to a hospital bed for a long time will find it difficult to walk properly. In fact, it has been proven that the lack of use tends toward deterioration.
So when "hills" appear in your life, when even "mountains" loom in your pathway, consider it all joy, my friend. The Bible puts it like this in James 1:2:
"Consider it all joy when you fall into various trials."It goes on to show how muscle development is had. "knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work..."
Prayer
Lord, you have indeed given us a body shop to develop our soul's muscles. It is called Jesus' Body Shop = the church and also it is called = life, itself.
Thank you for the variety that is in life, so we can become as we should, that is looking more like Jesus. He climed the hill to victory. May this one also, in the name of Jesus.
Amen