Keep Going

 

 

It’s funny how certain things stick in your memory. I vividly remember going on a day hike with some friends of mine at a local state forest almost 50 years ago. We were trudging through the forest for awhile and some in our group not accustomed to hiking were starting to lose their enthusiasm, especially as we started to make a strenuous uphill climb. We finally broke out into the sunshine as we reached the crest of one of the smaller hills. We enjoyed the view and we could see our eventual destination, the tallest hill in the area. From then on, all discouragement vanished and enthusiasm returned even though the climb became more difficult. We looked forward to making it to the top and, when we arrived, we soaked in the spectacular scenery which made the climb worthwhile.

 

Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him to go up to the top of a mountain to pray. While they were there, He was transfigured and the apostles were able to see Jesus in His kingly glory. After they came back down the mountain, their next encounters were with the demon-possessed boy and Jesus predicting His death. The contrast between the dazzling light of the transfiguration and the darkness of suffering and death are striking. Jesus knew that His apostles would be experiencing difficult times that would test their faith. He gave them a vision of the glory to come for them to hang on to in the days ahead.

 

We all have times when we are ‘trudging through the forest”, feeling like we are climbing uphill all the time and struggling to get through each day, longing for some rays of light in our lives. We need to press on, knowing that our loving God promises to always be with us. He is faithful and his Spirit will find a way to show His love even if our circumstances don’t improve. Talk to Him, be open to Him, accept Him. Rejoice and give thanks when He brings you into His light and you see Him working in your life. Let it be a reminder to you of the glory which will be yours in your eternal home. Hang on to that vision even if the times get dark again.

 

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Rom 8:18)