An Uphill Climb

Brisbane bridge climb, originally uploaded by Jackie Cooper's Photos.

Today is Bridge Day--Wednesday! Why call it "hump day" when you can call it "bridge" day?

Today's Bridge pic comes from "down under" is Brisbane, Australia. I think it beautifully reminds us that following Christ is not always a Sunday afternoon walk in the park.

It takes determination, persistence, and a good bit of both physical and spiritual stamina to cross over into the places where God wants us to be.

As you read through the Old Testament this year, pay careful attention to how difficult it was for God's people to make it into the land of promise. There was hardship, sacrifice, disobedience, complaining, power struggles, and politics galore!

As a follower of Jesus, you may be in the midst of some "arduous" (def: difficult or laborious) days. Don't give up! Hang in there! Keep on keeping on! What you are doing for Christ matters in God's Kingdom economy.

Remember these encouraging words from His Book. "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." (Galatians 6:9)

And this is one of my favorites: "Therefore my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (I Corinthians 15:58--ESV: English Standard Version)

Make it a great bridge day...even if it's an uphill climb to the other side.

Live the Red,

Mark