Navigating Switchbacks

Switchbacks along the way... Today's verse is Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
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Yesterday I wrote that I am ready to see Jesus face to face. That is still true today but unless He calls me home today I know that the pathway to heaven will continue to involve challenges along the way. I call these switchbacks. In hiking terms, a switchback is a trail up a steep hill or mountain that is like a zig-zag pattern instead of a straight trail. Wouldn't it be nice if we could go straight to the Celestial City rather than zig-zag our way there through life's trials and sufferings?

The pathway to heaven, along with its switchbacks (trials and sufferings) is more easily navigated if we "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us." Among those things to be laid aside are fear that shrinks back in the face of suffering, discouragement leading to doubt, and selfishness that seeks immediate gratification. We must also maintain our confidence and endurance as shared yesterday, a confidence in God's future grace that enables us to endure life's hardships to the end, all the while, keeping our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus through worship, daily Bible reading, on-going prayer, and fellowship with the saints.

Treasure Christ.
Live the Word.
Make Disciples.
Finish Well.

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