This past summer, while on vacation, my husband and I took our friend Ray climbing. We have taken Ray climbing a couple times and have always been amazed at how well he climbed. Ray is in his early sixties and has never climbed before meeting us. This year, after a couple days of climbing he decided he wanted to try leading a route. By the end of our trip, Ray was comfortably leading 5.8s, and progressing quickly.
I remember watching how effortlessly Ray made his way up the rock. I was so excited for him. At the same time, part of me was a little envious. It took me years to be able to climb like that!
For some, climbing comes easy. A person can instantly take to the sport and quickly excel into the harder routes. For me, that has not been the case. Any Improvement has taken lots of training, conditioning, hard work, many setbacks, and lots of patience. In other words, perseverance.
God calls us to persevere during the trials in life. Through life’s ups and downs, we are to keep our eyes focused on Jesus, His calling for our lives, and His promised eternal reward. By doing this, we find hope and peace, even in the darkest of storms.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1:2-4
There have been many times over the past two years where I felt like giving up on climbing. Physical issues and health have held me back from progressing and way I would like. Sometimes I have looked at all the setbacks and thought, is it really worth it.
Inevitably, I sigh and answer yes. I love climbing, no matter the level, and it is totally worth it! I then put on my big-girl pants, get back to work, and try again. In life, as well as in climbing, there is no better feeling than fighting your way through the crux, and making it to the top. Life can be hard; the journey is not always smooth. Giving up is not an option.
God has a plan and a calling for each of us. If we sit back and just wait for life to happen, we will never fully experience all that God desires for our lives. Perseverance, endurance, and determination will help us discover new passions and reveal our God given moxy within. As we live our lives in this manner, we are able to realize our fullest potential, both in life and on the rock.
And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – Romans 5:2b-4
But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” – 2 Chronicles 15:7
Climbing Group Devotional
Each week our Bethel Assembly Women’s Climbing group meets out in the Mount Rushmore area for a great day of climbing and fellowship. Before each climb we have a devotion, and take a few minutes to pray and thank God for the great opportunity to be together, out in his amazing creation.
