Hill
by Barbara Chadwick


We were driving on Douglas Island and turned on the road to Eagle Crest, the ski slope. Shortly after we turned there was a sign that read, "Hill". I thought, "Well Duh!" because we clearly were going uphill and we had already passed a sign stating that chains were required. I guess that sign was for those who didn't "get it."

Then my thoughts turned to the road of life. What would it be like to have a sign alerting us about a mountain looming ahead? That our road would be difficult and we'd need extra help?

Think of all the signs that might apply: Caution Falling Rocks; Road Construction Ahead; Next Services 150 miles; Detour, etc.

Would we start to whine and cry? Would we complain and wring our hands and say, "Oh, me! Oh, me! What shall I ever do?"

Or would we fortify ourselves with extra prayer and commit to memory extra scripture to encourage ourselves through dark days? Would we do extra exercise to strengthen our muscles and build up our immune systems to withstand the testing time?

I believe God's love and mercy to us are evident in that He doesn't provide "Road Signs" for us. We'd be constantly on the defensive. We are temporary travelers on this earth after all. This is not our home. He has cautioned us to trust in Him for the journey.

We are hard pressed on every side (Caution Falling Rocks) but not crushed; Perplexed (Road Construction Ahead) but not in despair; Persecuted (Next Services 150 Miles) but not abandoned; Struck down (Detour) but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

But look at verse 16 - 17 of that chapter: Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

We don't really have to worry and fret about whether we will encounter "Hills" in our lives because Jesus said in John 16:33, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

And we do know where to turn for help: Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

It makes me think of that old gospel song:
This world is not my home. I'm just a passin' through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven's open door and I can't feel at home in this world anymore. Oh, Lord, You know I have no friend like you. If heaven's not my home then Lord, what will I do. The angels beckon me from heaven's open door and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Since this is a temporary home for us let us trust Him for the journey.