Just a Bit Farther
On a recent hike, Jason and I tackled a new trail (well, new to us). The path forked off one of our regular trails to a beautiful waterfall, and we had been intending to try it out for a while now, but it never seemed like the right time. But a couple of weekends back, we had nothing else scheduled for the day, so we figured we would try it. We knew the trail would eventually end up at another waterfall, but we had no idea what the path would be like or how long it would take to arrive at the destination. Still, it was a beautiful day, so the three of us (Jason, Barnabas and myself) headed off down the trail, determined to go as far as we felt like going.
At several points, we questioned whether we should continue. After all, the waterfall destination could have been miles away. We simply didn’t know. Each time we stopped, we concluded we were doing well physically, Barnabas was having a blast exploring all this new territory, and we were indulging in pleasant conversation, so we might as well continue. At one point, however, we both had to admit our feet were getting tired, and we still had the miles of hiking to return to the Xterra. Still, neither of us wanted to turn around. “I’d hate to come this far and find we were only another half mile or so from the waterfall.”
So, we continued, and guess what, it was less than half a mile before we were rewarded with the beautiful, cascading waterfall. Not only were we pleased by the sight of the falls, but we were both elated we had pushed on a little farther. What if we had stopped and turned around that last time? What if we had called it quits? How disappointed would we have been when we discovered how close we had come without reaping the reward for our labor?
Sometimes, the path in life is longer than expected, and we feel like giving up. Some days, the journey doesn’t seem worth the effort and energy. Yes, there are times we want to turn around and just be done with it all. But, dear one, I urge you to keep going. Just a bit farther. You do not understand how close you are to reaping the reward for your efforts, how near you are to achieving your goal or reaching your dream. Don’t stop now. You’ve come too far to turn back, especially when you’re so close. Press on, allowing the destination to keep you motivated because you know it will be worth it.
Just a bit farther, my friend. Just a bit farther. You can do it, and God will help you!
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”