Are you still fighting? Are you staying focused? Are you keeping the faith?

It was great to look at 2 Timothy 4:7-8 with you last Sunday as a reminder to not give up, and to finish stronger than we started. This week as I was thinking more about the path of pursuit to Christ, this story came to mind:

In the allegory "Hinds Feet for High Places," the main character is taken on a journey to the High Places, where she will one day dwell with the Chief Shepherd.

At the beginning of the tale, she has a lame leg and a grotesquely disfigured face, both of which seemingly disqualify her from making the strenuous trip and living in a land of untainted beauty. Along the way, she’s given two companions, and she must go through a desert wilderness, a steep incline, and along a lonely seashore, often walking in the direction quite opposite of the High Places as she follows the Chief Shepherd.

Near the end of the book, her face begins to radiate a beauty she never imagined possible. Even her leg is feeling stronger, allowing her to depend less and less upon her companions.

However, as she continues traveling, she is led into a dark forest. The ground beneath her is muddy and she begins slipping, sometimes even falling flat on her face into the filth. The narrator states, "All along she had hoped that the higher she went and the nearer she got to the High Places, the stronger she would become and the less she would stumble, but it was quite otherwise" (Hurnand, 205).

We too are on a journey, and we often assume that as we travel we will become better, stronger, eventually achieving a Christ-like perfection in this life. Do not be fooled, my friend. We are going to battle with some sins and trials for the rest of our lives. This is—in part—why I think the writer of Hebrews reminds his readers not to be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:13). In the midst of our ongoing struggle with this life, we must rely on the grace of God more and more with each day.

The goal is not that we will one day be able to walk on our own. The goal is that one day you and I will realize how desperately we need to be carried to our Chief Shepherd.

I pray your reliance on God will increase greatly this week, and you will know you are not fighting the battle of this life alone.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. We will be starting a new series called, "You’re Not A Kid Anymore: Lessons for Spiritual Growth from the Life of Daniel." We will also have a Creekside Family Chat after the service on Sunday.

Don’t forget your Bible! See you there.

You are loved,

Josh.