Don't Be Held Back

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."  2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Have you ever encountered a situation that made free climbing El Capitan actually look easy?  I believe we all have at some point in our lives.  Just as the case of the climber, in the photo, there are plenty of odds that is ready to defeat him: gravity, a loose hold ready to break away, no ropes for protection.  Plenty of adversity here to keep him from reaching the top.  That feeling sound familiar?

In light of these situations, Paul encourages us with his words that, even when everything seems against you, God will get you through it.  Satan works in many ways to try to defeat us, make us give up, and take his "easy road".  God continues to say, "Don't give up!  I AM here!  I'll get you through it!"  Keeping that focus and faith on our Creator, and we can get through anything.  The important thing is to keep moving upward.  If someone attempts to hold you back, spiritually, let them go.  As 1 Corinthians 15:33 states, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals'."  If there is something tying you down, look to God to break free, as surely as He broke the chains from Peter's wrists (Acts 12:6-7).

While I don't see myself climbing a sheer face as El Capitan, I am determined to continue to scale the mountains that life sets in front of me.  Not only myself but, for my family to keep pushing forward, as well.  What mountains are you facing?  Keep moving forward, God will get you through it, and you will be that much stronger.

"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