Conquering the Formidable Stairs of Life with Christ.

Written by Desiree Bustamante.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

In the second Kung Fu Panda movie Po, the Dragon Warrior (who is a panda), looks up from the bottom of an unending staircase leading up a massive mountain, and says, “My old enemy—stairs!”

Living in this world of sin, we face many enemies that can seem overwhelming and drain our energy. Maybe it’s an illness, an upsetting family matter, an old sin you thought was conquered, or a difficult job…whatever the circumstance, it feels as though you are climbing a steep set of stairs over and over again, with no end in sight.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1 New Living Translation

The Bible is full of examples of believers who struggled with sin, enemies, and disappointment but endured them with God’s grace and mercy. They were written down for us as encouragement when we face life’s trials.

Yet, pain can be very discouraging. We want healing, but it may not come in this life. We want victory over the pain in this world, but that may not come until Christ returns. Our only hope is to lean on Christ and trust Him in our time of need. He will always be there with us to give us endurance, strength, and hope every step of the way.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
Romans 5:3-5 New Living Translation

Dear Lord, help us to remember that our hope is in You alone no matter the circumstances. Give us faith and hope in you, and the endurance to climb any stairs placed before us. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO