Day 334 Summit

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 
Hebrews 12:1-3

One time, a youth minister told me about a key lesson his father learned about people when he was a guide for groups climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a lot like life: the road is long and sometimes very difficult. There are tough spots along the way with moments of exhilaration and moments of intense complexity and pressure. It's a good metaphor for our lives, families, and relationships.

The guide told his son that when climbers can’t see the peak because it's cloudy, they don’t usually make it to the top because they get discouraged, irritable, and start to fight among themselves.

But when the peak is clear, and they can fix their eyes on the summit, the climbers are focused, work together, and almost always make it to the top. The difference, of course, is that they keep their eyes on the goal--the peak of the mountain.

Isn't life like that.

When we fix our eyes on Jesus and persevere, we can accomplish our goals; when we take our eyes off of Him and follow another road, we forfeit our spiritual direction.

Stay on the road. Read the Roadmap often: He knows the way. He will show you the path.

Oswald Chambers said,  “Beware of anything that competes with your loyalty to Jesus Christ.” Is there anything today that is holding you back? What is God asking you to do about it? You know the answer, make a decision to do whatever He tells you.