I don’t know what it is. I cannot really put my finger on it. Why does it seem that the closer I get to reaching my goals the more inadequate I feel? These feelings are becoming an uphill battle and the climb becomes steeper and steeper with each new day.
However, if there is anything I’ve learned, anything at all, it’s that the stronger the battle rages the more I can be sure I’m doing the right thing. And do you know what? I’m willing to bet it is the same for you.
Giving up and giving in is not an option. It isn’t for me and it can’t be for you. You have gifts and a community of supporters who are waiting to watch you climb that steep hill, defeat those giants, and reach the apex. Oh yes, even if you don’t feel it, you are loved. Your heart and life are beautiful. Your soul was designed for His delight.
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. Philippians 3:12-16 (NKJV)
“Let us walk by the same rule.” Yes! “Let us be of the same mind.” Yes! “… reach forward to those things which are ahead. “Yes, Yes and YES!”
You don’t have to be a writer to identify. Whatever gift God has given you is priceless. He wants you to use it to give Him glory. When I feel like giving up He says, “Keep going.” And today, I want to convey the same to you.
Keep going, sisters! Keep fighting to climb the steep mountains that you are facing. God is a God of love. He loves you enough to have blessed you with more gifts and talents to pursue than you could have ever thought possible. So climb. Hold on tight to Him and climb with all you have. Climb for His glory. Climb for His grace. Climb for all of us who are waiting to see what God will do through you.
You can…
You will…
You must climb.
By Jennifer Kostick, aGirlontheDoorstep
Leave a Comment
Pamela Herman says
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Perfect, perfect, perfect timing.
Jennifer says
You are welcome, Pamela! Keep climbing, girl! God has wonderful things ahead for you. I’m sure of it! God bless you.
Lucille says
Thank you for the great encouraging words and scripture!
Lord bless you!
Jennifer says
Thank you for reading, Lucille. Climb for His glory today! Have a blessed day!
Ty says
Yes I will climb out of this pit. I have to climb. I will do it. Crying..sobbing..Im going to climb. I can see the rest of you all up there. But Im down here. Im sobbing as I write this. I hear you and God saying to me Come. I want to but Im scared. why do you want me to climb… I do have talents, I do have a purpose. So Im going to climb out of this pit and try one more time. Thank you. Ive shared my pain on the website. Im sorry Im writing a book but I dont have anywhere else to turn. Thanks for reading and inspiring.
Jennifer says
Hello, Ty. I’ve been in the pit. I’m not sure what your circumstances are, and I know everyone is walking in different situations and struggles, but i want you to know you are not alone. You have a God who is wrapping His arms around you. Sometimes, we don’t feel His arms, but trust me, they are there just the same. He loves you, adores you, and wants you to climb.
You can do it, girl! I know you can, and more importantly, God knows you can!
I’m sending love and prayers to you today. Dry your tears and climb, friend!
Beth Williams says
Ty,
Do not be sorry about sharing your pain/grief sorrows on this website. This is exactly what God wants. He made us to be in community and to bear one another’s burdens. While I don’t know your circumstances–I can certainly go to the throne of Almighty God and pray for you.
Precious Father,
Please be with Ty today. She is in the pit–in the midst of a circumstance. Please wrap your loving arms around her and shower her with love & grace. Help her to climb our of the pit and be on top of the world with all of us sisters praising you. Thank you Lord for hearing us.
AMEN!
Jamie Rohrbaugh says
Amen! Like that song says – it’s always an uphill battle on the climb, but I thank God that little by little He gives us our Promised Land anyway. From day to day, I don’t always see the progress I wish I could see, but over the course of a month or a year or 5 years, I can see His hand at work so clearly. I’m so grateful. Wonderful article. Thanks so much for the encouragement!
Jennifer says
Thank you, Jamie. We can usually see the hand of God on our lives after we’ve been through a situation. However, I think remembering His hand is on us in when we are in the middle of a difficult battle is the key to surviving it.
God bless you! Thanks for your words.
sonyamacdesigns says
Oh but YES and Amen!
Jennifer says
Thanks for reading, Sonya!
Charise says
Amen sister!
Jennifer says
Thanks for reading, Charise!
Vanessa says
Love your words as always, Jennifer! So excited to see you here at (in)courage! What a great message to press on, to climb up, to keep going and hold onto Christ who carries us. Such a great and empowering message!
Jennifer says
Thank you, Vanessa! I always find my words from what Christ is teaching me first. When I wrote this, I figured that if God was speaking this message strongly to my heart, there had to be others who were dealing with the same struggles.
I’m thankful He supports us through the climb!
Heather McCool says
When did you take up residence in my head to know this is just what i needed right now! Thank you!
Jennifer says
Hi, Heather! I’m pretty sure God is the one who knew just what you needed. LOL I’m so glad the post spoke to you. Keep climbing! God bless you!
Amanda {A Royal Daughter} says
Excellent post, friend! God is most definitely using you!
Jennifer says
Thank you, Amanda! I can say the same about you!
Holley says
Amen and amen! Powerful encouragement, friend. Thank you!!
Jennifer says
Thank you, Holley!
Amy Lanham says
Timely message. I agree that when the road gets hard we must be doing something right! I read last night that van Gogh painted simply out of gratitude. He made $200 on his paintings when he was alive. I hope to write out of gratitude as well. Blessings to you!
Jennifer says
Yes, writing out of gratitude unto a faithful God aids us in the climb. Thank you for your words, Amy!
Kathy @ In Quiet Places says
When I think about all the steep climbs in my life I would have to say, I’d rather keep climbing than throw up my hands and give up!
Jennifer says
Amen, Kathy!
Beth Williams says
This brings to mind a powerful song by Selah “Press On”:
When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall
When the choices are hard
When we’re battered and scarred
When we’ve spent our resources
When we’ve given our all
Chorus:
In Jesus’ name, we press on
In Jesus’ name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on
In Jesus’ name, we press on
In Jesus’ name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on
To press on
I just love that song as it speaks about life being tough and yet never giving up–always looking toward the prize of spending Eternity in Heaven with God!
Jennifer says
I’ve never heard that song before. I’m going to have to listen to it. The words are, indeed, powerful! Thanks, Beth!