Doing Hard Things
The night finally came- New Year's Eve. When I walked downstairs wearing my climbing gear, Laura's first question was, "What are you doing?" I hadn't shared my plan with anyone until that moment. When I stated nonchalantly, "I'm going climbing," I was met with a chorus of, "You CAN'T do it, you're not ready!" "You're NOT doing it!" "PLEASE don't do it!" But I was determined.
A group of local climbers had each carried a stick of firewood to the top of Bear Mountain for a New Year's Eve bonfire- something they called 'Fire on the Mountain.' I knew that they were meeting at the trailhead at 6 PM so I started climbing at 5. Because of the four screws that went from my metatarsals into my ankle, I was not able to bend my right foot forward.
This meant that I had to stand sideways to climb (imagine climbing your stairs one step at a time, keeping your body sideways all the way to the top). I was moving slowly and in a tremendous amount of pain, but this was offset by the exhilaration of actually doing something that I was told I would never be able to do again. Think of all of the reasons that I had NOT to climb:
1) I had 9 large screws in my foot.2) I had 3 long incisions that still had stitches.
3) I couldn't bend my foot forward.4) I was in a serious amount of pain.
5) I was out of shape.6) Everyone else was against it.
Now, compare this with my reasons for climbing:1) I knew that it was the only way for me to get stronger.
As a culture, we've become soft. We are easily dissuaded from doing hard things- especially hard things for God. What 'mountain' is God asking YOU to climb? is it the mountain of sharing your faith? Of praying with your family? Of getting up early and spending time in God's Word? Of serving in your church? Of giving generously? Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Be blessed! -Pastor Brad
Written on December 2, 2025
Posted in Daily Devotions