Following Jesus
I was accustomed to marching long distances with a heavy pack from my infantry days, but this was different. We weren't starting fresh. We were both young and strong, but we had 14 miles on our feet before starting this last eight mile push. The footing was exceptional- some of the best I've ever had. Even the valley floor had a hard packed game trail. Even so, the weight of our packs and the gravel washouts that needed to be 'slid down into' and 'crawled up out of' slowed us considerably.
I'll never forget the feeling of relief as we stepped into our original campsite and let those heavy packs slide onto the rear rack of our ATV's. Then we strapped the packs down with those beautiful Dall sheep horns across the top. We still had a long ride out, followed by a longer drive home, but for the first time I felt like we had done it. We had accomplished what we set out to do. We could finally celebrate. There is a sense of accomplishment that we only feel when we overcome a great challenge. We felt it then.
To press through extreme discomfort, even pain and suffering, and come out victorious on the other side is a beautiful thing. It's been said, "The greater the cost, the greater the reward." This is why Jesus tells us that we are to DENY SELF, TAKE UP OUR CROSS, and follow him. He is "the treasure hidden in a field." We sell everything we have in order to gain that treasure. Friends, don't be afraid of the cost. Don't be afraid to do hard things. Commit all that you are and all that you have to following Jesus, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad
Written on February 23, 2026
Posted in Daily Devotions