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Key Bible Verse: Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will (Hebrews 10:36). Bonus Reading: Hebrews 10:32-38

Hiking north to south on the Appalachian Trail, I found the Smoky Mountains stretch that leads up to Mollies Ridge demoralizing. I felt like an ant climbing a giant staircase. I'd see the peak just ahead and, after a steep climb, breathe a sigh of relief, and think, I did it! Then I'd round a corner, and there would be an up-until-then hidden summit. What? There's more? There were several premature celebrations before the satisfaction of finally reaching the Mollies Ridge shelter.

The ascent to holiness is like that. One peak after another appears as God fine-tunes our faith. In Hebrews 10:36, the writer of Hebrews calls for persevering on the path of improvement. Perseverance is by definition an ongoing pursuit; but receiving the crown of life is a one-time event. We strive to be holy for that moment when God will say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"

Does your pursuit of righteousness seem to be nothing but an uphill climb? Be encouraged. This is the path God wants you on. He longs for Christians unafraid to take the trail all the way to the top. He'll hike alongside you and give you rest when you're weary. And the final reward is being with Him forever!

—Nathan Chapman in With God on the Hiking Trail

My Response: How do I respond to a succession of tests?

Thought to Apply: Victory is not won in miles but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later win a little more.—LOUIS L'AMOUR (novelist)

Adapted from With God on the Hiking Trail (Harvest, 2002) by permission.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Thank you, Savior, for enduring all the way to the cross. Give me the stamina to be a finisher.

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