Hills and Holiness

Mostly I prefer avoiding hills, but if I take a walk to the nearby brook and back, at times I must go up. In summer’s heat this means sweat and sore muscles. In May I headed for the hilly road, making my way to the brook; a chilly rain tagged along. But no matter what the weather happens to be like, I will get a good workout from ascending those hills.

Why do hills of difficulty so often pop up in the Christian life? To humble us, to exercise muscles of trust, to increase endurance. God wants to use our tough times to assist us on the road to holiness; little progress comes from shuffling along the flat part. But take heart—when we reach Home we shall find refreshment and rest.