Victory

Victory

They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from your face that helped them, for you loved them.

“COME ON, you can do it!” my husband called out encouragingly. “Your sister would be so proud of you.”

Walking behind him on the hiking trail, I shot a disgruntled look toward his back.

“Are you kidding?” I scoffed. “My sister would think I was crazy. She and I would be at Starbucks right now.”

Despite my husband’s surprised look, it was true. My sister Katrina had a sense of adventure, but she wasn’t a big hiker. Nevertheless, she would have loved how the foundation we created after her death raised money to help girls and women. Our biggest fundraiser was a charity mountain climb in Colorado.

As I continued to climb, I couldn’t help but wonder what I’d gotten myself into. Even though I had the right equipment and had acclimated myself to the higher altitude, I was struggling. By the time I realized I wasn’t going to reach the summit, I was discouraged. And after my knees locked up on the way down, I felt even worse, shuffling one painful step at a time as everyone else passed me by.

Eventually, we were the final pair. Knowing how much I was struggling, Tim asked if I wanted help in the final stretch. “Yes, please,” I said with some relief, knowing my knees weren’t going to improve. With a nod, he hoisted me on his strong back and trudged the rest of the way down. As we emerged from the trees, everyone cheered.

Even after all that disappointment, it felt like a victory.

I’m reminded of that experience every time I’m tempted to struggle alone on the mountains that rise up in my own life. When my faith is tested or life’s circumstances press down, I recall the misery of trying to manage that mountain alone—and how the decision to accept help provided immediate relief. That’s what God does for you and me. When we give our burdens to him, he gives us a hand and his strength—all because he loves us.

Our God hoists us high and carries us through. And instead of defeat, that power of working together feels only like victory.

Lord, thank you that your immense love gives us the strength we need. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: What are some victories you have experienced in your own life, big and small?