Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: FaithWalk
Scripture Reference: Colossians 2 Isaiah 34-36 

Key Verses: Isaiah 35:3-4

A writer was describing his experience of hiking in the Grand Canyon. I was surprised when he said that coming back up the trail at the end of the day was easier than his earlier descent into the canyon. It seems like uphill would always be harder, especially when it is the last part of the hike.

But knowing that the hike would soon be over, that he could return to his air-conditioned room, that dinner was waiting at the end, made the climb up easier than the climb down. Basically, hope made the last part less difficult. What he knew was ahead kept him going. His knees felt better and his thoughts were not on cardiac arrest, either! The rim was just ahead, and with it would come rest, refreshment and relief.

Far greater than a motel room with an air conditioner is the word of hope given to the redeemed by the prophet Isaiah. His message was, “‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come'” (35:4). Those words would “strengthen the feeble hands,” “steady the knees that give way” and encourage those with “fearful hearts.” Better than a room on the rim of the Grand Canyon is the truth that God will come!

The way our life takes us can be hard. The world in which we live can be difficult. Our souls may weary, weakening our hands, our knees, our hearts–but to the weary pilgrim God gives words of hope. He will come.

“God, fill my heart, mind and soul with hope. Help me climb, renewed and reinvigorated by the reminder that You will one day come.”