Long Haul
Following the path.
The author Eugene Peterson once called the Christian life ‘a long obedience in the same direction.’ I love that phrase.
Recently, a friend has been recovering from major surgery. For months he’s done the hard work — taking meds, resting up, painful therapy. On one visit, he expressed how frustrating it is: just a few steps, and I’m worn out! But a couple of weeks later, he was tackling stairs and walking short distances unassisted.
His recovery is a parable, reminding me that, with God, real strength and healing don’t happen overnight. Rather, it’s as Martin Luther said: This life is not health but healing, not the goal but the path. So today, know that God honors every faithful step on the long road of obedience.
More on the topic:
- Here is the fuller quote from Martin Luther.
- The key is “same direction”!
- Many Christians have found physical therapy to be a profound metaphor for spiritual growth – for example, see here.
- The value of patience in the growth process.