Standing firm...on sandy ground??

It has been about 6 months since I have last thought about going on a true hiking experience. Back in October when the weather was mostly nice - the sun will still shining & the fall leaves were creating a fragrance that was pleasant to my nose. Now here we are, it's April and 60 degree temperatures are still to be found. We've endured a seemingly long winter season - full of snow & cloudy days.

The hope of hiking a path has been high on my list of "things-to-do". I can only imagine what the view at the top of mountain would give! But is it really the destination at the top that brings the most enjoyment? Or is it each part of the journey to the top? My last hiking experience was full of discouragement as my body wasn't in the kind of health I needed to get me through the journey pain-free. There were times that I would receive surprises that would make me revolt in fear. It was hard for me to see the pleasure out of the trip - except at the end was a beautiful lake.

Though Spring has yet to fully make its arrival, the reality is this - I am on a different kind of hike. One that is challenging me towards true contentment in my climb towards that final goal - freedom in Christ. But, I have a choice. Do I focus on all of the parts of the challenge that make it hard, or can I step outside of myself long enough to see the beauty of the journey - flowers, babbling brooks & wild animals - all of which God designed for us to enjoy with Him.

This week I have been chewing on the idea of "Standing Firm". In 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes about this idea of Standing Firm during times of difficulty. I can easily be swayed to FEEL a certain way based on my circumstance, the truth of it all is really to learn how to KNOW the truth as God sees it.

The truth is:
God has specifically chosen/adopted each believer in Christ.
He did this through the changing work of the Holy Spirit.
All so that we can share in the Glory of Jesus.

But the point of it all is to "Stand Firm" & remember the teaching of Jesus we've received (either written & or heard). And the hope behind all of this is that Jesus & God may encourage our hearts and strengthen us in every good deed & word. (my paraphrase)

The part that I have really be trying to memorize into my heart is that
Jesus
- loves me
- gives eternal encouragement
- gives good hope

Wow..good hope...I face the reality that many times I place my hope in things of this world (my desire for a spouse, my friendships, my job, my ministries, my ability to take care of myself, etc...) Not that these things are bad, but the reality is that the things I place my hope in, are like shifting sand. They are not constant. Friends move on, jobs end, ministries change, circumstances change...But the love of Jesus is eternal & never ending. He is the only source of good hope.

As I continue climbing this hill, inch by inch, I long to reach out to the source of Good Hope, so that I can enjoy the journey until that day that I can see the view from the top of the mountain. The day that He will make sense of my current sufferings. But I also need to understand that each part of the journey will have some joy in it. I need to stop focusing on myself and what pains me & look around at the view from this point. He is the source of good hope & that is enough to get me through today's challenge.