Today’s Post By: Sheree Craig
Two men set out to complete the impossible (or so it seemed). Friends came together, conjured up a dream, and decided to conquer that dream. They stood in the face of a 3,000 foot ascent with only their strength to see them through. The journey began. No idea of how long it would take to reach the top, victory and passion kept their hearts filled to the brim. Determination drove their bodies to climb despite cuts, bruises and other injuries incurred along the way.
The feat took weeks. These free-climbers used only hands, feet, and body strength to inch their way up. They used only the formation of the rock to grab and progress. No chisels assisted to break-out handholds. Each day presented falls, injury, hunger, pain, and the unknown. At one point, one of the men approached a section on the wall that took eleven attempts over a course of seven days. His response, “As disappointing as this is, I’m learning new levels of patience, perseverance and desire,” Mr. Jorgeson posted online. “I’m not giving up. I will rest. I will try again. I will succeed.” (The Wall Street Journal. http://www.wsj.com.)
Wow, these men provide such inspiration. They could have given up at any moment. But day by day, they focused on the end result. The option of quitting did not exist. Spectators, family, news and friends came to support, encourage and love on these men. Looking back over the weeks it took to complete this dream, I believe it took a one day at a time attitude. Focus must remain on the current moment to conquer that point in the journey. Taking eyes off the moment could lead to imbalance and ultimately a fall.
Although they faced this without assistance, ropes did provide a safety net for the falls. Falling did not fit into their equation toward victory, but it happened. Thankfully, the ropes caught them and placed them back on the path.
What cliff stands in front of you today: debt, addiction, divorce, depression, obesity, eating disorder, spiritual death, etc.? My dear friend, grab the ropes and conjure up a dream. Take that first step to conquer the dream. Those on the outside may scoff and think your feat impossible. Don’t listen! Set your mind to victory.
The feat will not be completed overnight. It may take weeks, months, or years. It will not be easy, but oh so worth it! Begin the journey. Climb each day with determination. Injuries and pain may arise throughout, but don’t give up. Each day consists of falls and the unknown. Fear not my friend, this does not equal failure. Just as the climber states above, falls and faith to face the unknown grow patience, perseverance and desire to conquer. You could fall the same fall numerous times. . .keep standing back up.
“…we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
One Day at a Time is the title of my passion turned into a career. It takes one day at a time to reach healing. Do not worry about tomorrow, for it has enough to deal with. . .focus on the current moment and conquer this before moving on to that! Placing sight on ten steps ahead will only lead to imbalance and ultimately a fall. Triggers surround your day and work diligently to break your down motivation. Sharp edges appear to prevent progress. Uneven ground develops along the journey increasing risks for a fall.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
You can and you will reach victory. Break the bondage depriving you of the life promised. God only wants you, no baggage. Leave the yo-yo diets, laxatives, food deprivation, over or under exercise, drugs, alcohol, painful past, bills, etc. at the cross. He will then grab your hand and hold on tightly. He will walk with you daily, creating a safety net should a fall occur. His Word will build motivation, not break you down. His love will protect to ensure progress. His steady hand will be present to catch you when you fall.
Along the way, He will send His servants to support, encourage, and love you through each moment. Utilize this gift and reach out in times of need. Others have sat in the same position and can guide you through the next steps. “. . .who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)
We all have a cliff to face. Will you climb or simply remain?
One Day at a Time . . .
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
