Thursday thoughts: The view is worth the climb

Jill Johnson

When the path feels too steep to continue or when life seems too heavy and hard, always look to the One who has already gone before you. ”

Recently, Wayne and I were on a "bucket list trip." We went to Greece.

One of the days, we were in Delphi on Mount Parnassus. At the highest point on this mountain, there is one of the best-preserved stadiums in Greece, which was used for the Pan-Hellenic Pythian games. These games were a cultural event combining athletic competition with artistic performance to foster unity among Greek cities. 

It was a very steep, uneven, and hard walk to get to the top to view the stadium. Our guide told us to go halfway up the mountain, where we could get a glimpse of the stadium. He said we could go to the top to see the entire stadium, but warned us it would be hard; the steps were high and uneven, and because of the steepness, we could risk slipping and falling. Again, he left the decision up to the group.

Wayne and I climbed to the halfway point along with others in our group. Seeing as Wayne was the tallest person, he was elected to stand on a rock to get the camera shot of the stadium for everyone. You could see part of where the stadium was, and honestly, I was satisfied with seeing that site. However, there were some people coming down from the very top, and they encouraged us to keep going. They said it was a little further up, but the view was amazing.

Not wanting to miss out, several of us decided to keep on going. Our guide was not exaggerating when he said it would be hard. It was very uneven terrain, extremely steep, and a very challenging hike to the top. Once we arrived at the top, it was a totally unbelievable sight.

The stadium that was preserved was amazing, but the view from the top was breathtaking. I was so glad we went. As we were coming back down the mountain, I was thinking about how sometimes life is hard and can be challenging, but walking with God makes the climb worth the difficulties.

I thought about the uneven terrain and how you have to be careful and not rush to avoid a stumble or fall. The same is true with life challenges. My tendency is to rush ahead of God and do whatever needs to be done to alleviate the difficult situation as quickly as possible. However, even when the road is tough and the outcome might seem slow, God is working. 

I might not always see the immediate results, but He promises to always finish what He starts, even if it might seem slow to me. A slow and steady walk with God is much better than rushing to the top and missing the sights along the way. 

The hard climb required perseverance and determination to keep going even when the path was difficult, and the top seemed so far away. The same is true in life. Trials and hard times can test our limits, but knowing God is working in us to strengthen and deepen our faith and dependency on Him can change our perspective and understanding. It is living out Romans 8:28, "and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Even when the path is challenging and steep, God's promise remains that there is something beautiful waiting at the top. At the top of the mountain or at the end of a trial, you get a perspective that you couldn't have had without the climb. 

When the path feels too steep to continue or when life seems too heavy and hard, always look to the One who has already gone before you. Keep climbing. Keep pressing on. Keep trusting in God, who will walk alongside you when the path of life is difficult. And just trust me when I say the view from the top will be more amazing and beautiful than you could ever imagine. It will totally be worth the climb!

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Jill Johnson finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, and Georgian. Jill is retired from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.