Level Ground

This morning I headed out for a small run.  I suddenly found myself crying out for oxygen.  My head hurt, my legs felt heavy, and my lungs were crying out.  That was after a half mile lol.

I have a three mile path laid out and felt great on the way down.  It was the turn around that got me.  As I was headed back home, those inclines killed me.  As I saw them coming, I was already negotiating avoiding them.  I found myself saying "Please God, no inclines." 

However, in life, it can not all be downhill so I proceeded to tackle the incline.  There were two other ladies on the path and they were walking.  I was thinking "Please get out of my way."  Once I got my momentum going I did not want to slow down.  I wanted to get past that incline and get back on level ground. 

As I got past the obvious incline, I thought I was done.  That was not true.  Although my eyes saw "level" my legs could feel that the ground was still at a slight, deceiving rise.  I know this because my legs told me and I could see that at the end was that level ground I so desired. 

As I sought that end, I looked over to my left and saw the street in our neighborhood.  I found myself pointing and saying "There! That's where I want to be level!"  It was then that it hit me.  We can not grow in strength if we stay on level ground.  There is no challenge, no push, no growth in endurance. 

I believe Christ would have liked to stay on level ground but instead, he endured the suffering he did so that you and I would have a chance at eternal life. 

Perhaps todays economy, family situations, jobs or lack of, have you on an incline you think you'll never get past.  There is hope.  Even Christ cried out as he was having to endure the suffering...and He is our hope. 

So if you find yourself on an incline in life, don't give up.  Hang on to the hope that Christ offers and keep your eye out for that level ground.  

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I will, but as you will. 
Matthew 26:39    

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
 1 Peter 5:10