Glory

Taken from Jessica's eBook website 1500-miles.com

I was 19 and it was early January. Clothed in a heavy jacket and uncomfortable boots, I stood at the bottom of the stairs of the Statue of Liberty prepared to climb the 300 some-odd stairs. The climb looked intimidating but, at 19, I wasn't afraid of anything. So, I took a deep breath and placed my uncomfortable boot on that first step. As I made the long trek up those stairs, I wanted to stop several times to catch my breath, but pressed on despite the sharp pain in my abdomen. When I finally reached the top, I was bent in two and struggling to hold myself up long enough to take in the view. Across the choppy waterway, I could see New York City in all its glory. I had done it. Me. Alone. I had climbed up all those stairs without stopping once. And though it was hard to breathe, and the ache on the side of my stomach burned, I had done it.


How many times have you found yourself there? You're barely holding yourself together. But you get to bask in the glory of making that long, uphill climb on your own. And that's worth it, isn't it? After all, you're the one who took the first step. You're the one that fought through every ache and pain to get where you are. You should get the glory because you made the trek.


How many uphill battles have you found yourself struggling to overcome recently? How draining--mentally and physically--are those climbs? Have you forgotten that God has been by your side every step of the way?


Listen, I've found myself there many a time. When things work in my favor, I am always quick to pat myself on the back. But what I often forget is that we don't get where we're going entirely on our own strength. I mean, we sure try to. And we usually find ourselves out of breath when we do. There will be trials and hard times--usually disguised as 300 some-odd stairs--but we don't have to climb them alone. God's shoulder is always ready for us to lean on. And when we get through those trials better, stronger, and wiser because of His help, it's God who deserves the glory--not us.

"To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Philippians 4:20)

Whatever trial you find yourself struggling through today, God is offering you His strength. When you can't carry yourself one more step, let Him help you. Just remember to give God the glory.
--Jessica