When the Battle Seems Too Hard
I’ve come to this mountain before. Each time I stand in its shadow, I feel the same way-afraid. It’s high, treacherous, and impossible to climb. Yet, climbing it is the only way to the other side. I freeze in fear, my feet heavy blocks of ice. I want to turn around and go back the way I came. But I can’t stay here, stuck in the in-between-between where I’ve been and where I’m called to be.
Some days, my faith doesn’t seem strong enough, large enough, or brave enough. I walk the narrow path God has laid out for me but when I get to rocky parts, where the travel is hard, I resist and try to find another way.
I read stories about giants in the faith who lived fearlessly for God. I think about the disciples Jesus chose and how they dropped their nets and followed him, even to the point of death. And I think about Jesus being willing to give up his life for me.
How do I stay on a path that will most likely lead to pain and suffering? How do I follow when I am fearful of what might happen?
Nearly every Sunday afternoon, all throughout my childhood, we visited my grandparents who lived the next town over. Summers were my favorite time, when grandpa’s watermelons were ripe and ready to eat. He’d take one out of the garden, slice it, and that first bite was sweet heaven. Pink, sugary juice dripped down my chin and onto my shirt. No melon from the grocery store has ever compared.
Most of those afternoons I spent reading a book on the couch. Across from me, my dad and grandfather sat and discussed news, politics, the economy, and especially the war. It seemed that no matter the topic, grandpa always ended up turning the conversation to discussing his days in the army during WWII.
My husband and I went to Normandy last year and stood on those very same beaches to see for ourselves this place that changed the course of the war and where so many had lost their lives. Both my grandfathers were there during the beach invasions of Northern France, one in the army and the other in the navy.
What kind of faith and courage does it take to walk into the unknown and even give up your very life?
I stood at the now peaceful shores on the English Channel and pictured my maternal grandfather out in the sea firing at the planes overhead aboard a naval vessel. I imagined my other grandfather leading his troops to join in the fight on this very shore. Standing there with our tour guide, I listened as he told story after story of the events of that day and those that followed. Sadly, I now wish I had listened more to my grandfather’s stories. I wish I could ask him all the questions that ran through my mind as we walked the same places he had walked. I long to ask how he faced his own fears and how he walked resolutely into battle. But he’s been gone a few years now, and the stories along with him.
The bravery of all those young soldiers that swam ashore amazes me. The guns hidden in the hills mowed them down, row by row. I stood by one of those guns and thought about the courage it takes to walk straight into the line of fire.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25
We toured the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc. Our tour guide described how the rangers had climbed up those steep cliffs by hand. All the while, German soldiers were throwing down grenades at them from above.
I think about my own hills I need to climb and the battles that are before me. I have so many fears that hold me back-fear of failure, of the unknown, and of the certain pain that comes during battle. What if I fall? What if I’m not strong enough? What if I don’t have what it takes to make it?
Having recently celebrated our Lord’s death and resurrection, I think about how Jesus resolutely rode into Jerusalem to shouts of praise, even while knowing what awaited Him at the end of the week. I think of Him praying in the garden, emotionally overcome by the events that were mere hours away. Despite his fear, when the soldiers arrived to arrest him, he calmly said, “”Friend, do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him”. (Matthew 26:50)
I read in Philippians where Paul says, “for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (1:21) He considered all his suffering a privilege and gladly faced death knowing what was laid up for him in heaven. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8
When I stood there on the beach, humbled by the bravery of so many young men, I thought about my faith. It seems so small when I stand trembling before the giants in my life. Like most of the Israelite spies, I run the other way, saying there’s no way I can cross into the new land. I’d rather return to Egypt, where at least I know what to expect. But I know God is calling me forward to something new. He wants me to face the battle, walk directly into what frightens me, and endure any trials that come. I’m afraid to walk into the fire, but isn’t that what Jesus did for me? Didn’t he face the enemy head on? And didn’t he endure what feared him the most-rejection from his father?
“Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Daniel 3:25
It was Jesus’ love for God’s children that moved him forward to the cross. He knew the joy that lay ahead, the peace and restoration that his death would bring. He knew that after death follows resurrection-of life, of hope, and of joy. The apostle Paul knew that eternity in heaven with his Savior was worth imprisonment, poverty, starvation, torture and even death. And soldiers, like my both of my grandfathers, knew that stopping the spread of an evil empire was worth the risk of death.
Even though my faith is often imperfect and seemingly small, Jesus said it only takes faith as small as a mustard seed to move mountains. God accepts imperfect faith, for even the most hesitant touch can bring instant healing. He can take my weak faith and use it to strengthen me for the battles I face. Through his grace, I can live a life of sacrifice and suffering because I know he is there in the fire with me. I can climb the seemingly insurmountable mountain I face because Jesus climbed Calvary’s hill for my sake. I can run straight into the unknown because I know the joy and crown that awaits me.
Do you have any mountains you fear to climb? Are there any battles you are facing today?
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-9
Linking up with:
35 Comments on When the Battle Seems Too Hard
1Pingbacks & Trackbacks on When the Battle Seems Too Hard
-
[...] When the Battle Seems to Hard - To Show them Jesus. This post really touched me. I am so glad I stumbled upon this blog [...]
Jelli
April 18, 2012 at 3:23 am (2 years ago)What a heart-filled post. I felt as if I were walking with you through your memories. Thanks for sharing.
toshowthemjesus
April 18, 2012 at 1:23 pm (2 years ago)Thank you! I have many strong memories begging to be let out:) So happy you stopped by!
Lisa Tarplee
April 18, 2012 at 7:10 pm (2 years ago)I’m loving the way you apply them to the truth of the Gospel.
Shari Miller
April 18, 2012 at 5:37 am (2 years ago)This was beautifully written, it brought tears to my eyes. Sometimes, the mountains are so hard to face. Having faith in God is what gets us through. Thank you for sharing your story and your pictures. Many blessings to you!
toshowthemjesus
April 18, 2012 at 1:24 pm (2 years ago)Oh thank you! Sorry to bring tears though. We all have mountains to face at some time. I have to remind myself each day of the biggest mountain Jesus crossed over for me so I wouldn’t have to. Blessings to you!
Mercy
April 18, 2012 at 9:45 am (2 years ago)Thank you for your encouraging words! Love the passage from 1 Peter at the end too.
toshowthemjesus
April 18, 2012 at 1:25 pm (2 years ago)Thank you for visiting today. I love 1 Peter, there is so much there that relates to my life. Blessings!
R.elliott
April 18, 2012 at 9:57 am (2 years ago)we are neighbors today…this is full of such good truths and challenges…and yes…run straight into the unknown because of who and what awaits us:) blessings~
toshowthemjesus
April 18, 2012 at 1:25 pm (2 years ago)Love it when we are neighbors!
Shelly Miller
April 18, 2012 at 10:19 am (2 years ago)I tend to do this too, want to turn around when the road seems to hard. And we grab an extra portion of faith from those who did it before us, like your grandfather. What a legacy they leave behind. I often have those same regrets, about not asking more questions. But we weren’t thinking that way when they were alive and God knows that. You have a rich heritage in courage. I have faith you will carry on their legacy.
toshowthemjesus
April 19, 2012 at 7:45 am (2 years ago)Thanks for your sweet comment. I have to remember those who have gone before and take courage in their victories. Especially Christ’s victory at the cross. Blessings to you and yours!
Stacy
April 18, 2012 at 11:53 am (2 years ago)This is beautiful and just what I needed to hear today. Thank you.
toshowthemjesus
April 19, 2012 at 7:46 am (2 years ago)I’m so glad you stopped by today! Blessings to you!
Lyli@3dLessons4Life
April 18, 2012 at 12:27 pm (2 years ago)Thanks for the reminder that God has given me everything I need to walk in victory today.
toshowthemjesus
April 19, 2012 at 7:46 am (2 years ago)Amen! We have all we need in Christ. Thanks for visiting!
Court
April 18, 2012 at 12:43 pm (2 years ago)Always it seems. But it startles me to realize I truly get stronger with each one.
toshowthemjesus
April 19, 2012 at 7:47 am (2 years ago)That is so very true. Climbing those high hills strengthens us for the next ones we face. Thanks for visting!
Sylvia R
April 18, 2012 at 1:01 pm (2 years ago)I can so identify with your fear struggle, facing your mountain. I have reached the point sometimes, in fear-fighting prayer-wrestling, of repeating things like, “I can’t do this, Lord!” and “I don’t WANT to do this!” and “Please, Lord, do I have to do this?” Wrestling until He wins.
It helps me to think of how courage wasn’t a piece of cake for any of those Bible heroes (nor war heroes, either, I’m guessing): how all the disciples skittered away, how Paul spoke of trembling, and how even Jesus struggled in the garden to the point of sweating blood before he set His face like flint toward the cross.
Moving post. Prayers for you and whatever your mountain might be.
toshowthemjesus
April 19, 2012 at 7:43 am (2 years ago)I say the same things. I’m glad I’m not alone. So thankful for the body of Christ who builds us up when we need courage. Thanks for visiting today!
Lisa Tarplee
April 18, 2012 at 1:05 pm (2 years ago)“Even though my faith is often imperfect and seemingly small, Jesus said it only takes faith as small as a mustard seed to move mountains. God accepts imperfect faith, for even the most hesitant touch can bring instant healing. He can take my weak faith and use it to strengthen me for the battles I face. Through his grace, I can live a life of sacrifice and suffering because I know he is there in the fire with me.”
Amen. so thankful that He is our strength and enables us to soar on wings like eagles… He will win our battles. what a promise!
toshowthemjesus
April 19, 2012 at 7:41 am (2 years ago)Yes, He is our strength! Thank you, friend!
Nikki
April 18, 2012 at 3:36 pm (2 years ago)What a beautiful post.
I feel I’ve climbed a number of fear mountains lately. Wish I could say I have them conquered…but I’m striving! and thank you for encouraging me to do just that…
toshowthemjesus
April 19, 2012 at 7:40 am (2 years ago)“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I remind myself of these words almost every day. Those mountains can be big but our God is bigger. Thanks for your sweet comment!
Jen Ferguson
April 18, 2012 at 5:51 pm (2 years ago)There are so many times when the battle has seemed absolutely impossible. I love how you have taken this history and brought it to your spiritual walk.
I know you have been linking up with SDG for while — would you like to be a part of a small group? if so, will you send me an email — [email protected]. It will entail just visiting the 6 other women in your group on SDG days.
jhunnelle
April 19, 2012 at 12:11 am (2 years ago)“God accepts imperfect faith, for even the most hesitant touch can bring instant healing. He can take my weak faith and use it to strengthen me for the battles I face. Through his grace, I can live a life of sacrifice and suffering because I know he is there in the fire with me. I can climb the seemingly insurmountable mountain I face because Jesus climbed Calvary’s hill for my sake. I can run straight into the unknown because I know the joy and crown that awaits me.” AMEN, AMEN!
Thank you for sharing this encouraging post, it reminds me that no matter how big the mountain i am facing now, I can climb it through Christ.
toshowthemjesus
April 19, 2012 at 7:38 am (2 years ago)I’m so glad you visited! His perfect love casts out all fear. Blessings to you!
Denise
April 19, 2012 at 6:23 am (2 years ago)Really like this.
Jennifer@GDWJ
April 19, 2012 at 10:56 am (2 years ago)I consider the puny faith I have often times, especially in moments similar to what you describe here (so very eloquently, by the way!) … I am glad that God finds value even in mustard-seed sized faith … and I’m thrilled that He never gives up on me, but continues to grow my faith daily.
Meredith
April 19, 2012 at 11:37 am (2 years ago)This: But I know God is calling me forward to something new. He wants me to face the battle, walk directly into what frightens me, and endure any trials that come.
I am right in this place with you, friend.
Trusting in the one who began the good work, that HE will see it to completion!!
Cristian
April 19, 2012 at 7:44 pm (2 years ago)Our hearts are very similar and I share your fears. My fears are weights that hold me down and I struggle with them every single day. I’m so encouraged that I am not alone in that.
toshowthemjesus
April 20, 2012 at 8:06 pm (2 years ago)Fear is very powerful and holds me back in a lot of ways. I’m so thankful that God is there with me each step of the way. Blessings to you!
Mary
April 20, 2012 at 10:53 pm (2 years ago)Oh, such incredible truth! We are so terrified of running into the battle, but isn’t that what it is to follow Christ? Ultimately, if we want to be like Him, does that not mean death? And we think of that spiritually, but it could mean physically as well. I’ve been thinking about this lately. I don’t want to die. My flesh clings to life with every ounce of strength it has. What does it take for Him to be worth more than life to me - for Him to be worth more than life itself? Am I willing to suffer for the One who suffered for me? I can’t honestly answer that question. I’ve never been faced with that choice. But I need to teach myself this lesson - that to be like Christ is to die. Thank you so much for sharing this, for being honest and writing out the fears we all have, putting them right there on the screen for all of us to see. It brings such encouragement and hope to know that we are not alone in this fight - that I am not alone. We’re in this together. Thank you. God bless!
toshowthemjesus
April 21, 2012 at 8:02 am (2 years ago)I know what you mean. I think we all resist the idea that following Christ involves suffering. But He did so for us, how can we not for Him? And it’s true, we are not alone in the battle. He gives us the strength and encouragement we need. Blessings to you!
Wendy
April 21, 2012 at 4:31 pm (2 years ago)Moving post… I felt like the first poster, i.e. right there with you as you walked through memories.