Now That's Perseverance!

Amos Wayne Richards, 64, of Concord, N.C. set out to hike Utah's Little Blue John Canyon back on September 8th. He said he was inspired to take the hike after seeing the Oscar-nominated movie "127 Hours." The film was inspired by the moving story of a hiker who in the same canyon found himself pinned under a boulder. The man freed himself by cutting off his arm. Little did Richards know that he himself would have a story that would be told to the nation.  At one point during his hike, Richards suffered a ten foot fall that left him with a dislocated shoulder and a broken leg. The shoulder he was able to manipulate back into place (ouch!), but he could do nothing for his shattered leg. So he did the only thing he could - crawl. He eventually crawled for four days and over five miles before being spotted by a search helicopter. Richards did some things wrong (like not informing any one of his plans for starters, something National Park Rangers stress hikers - especially those hiking solo - should always do!). But one thing you've got to admire about this guy is that he never gave up. Despite the hot desert sun, meager provisions (two protein bars and a little bit of water he was able to collect from some passing showers), the rocky terrain, and what must have been gut-wrenching pain - he pressed on!

In a day and age of always wanting to do things the easy way (ala Staples - "That was easy!") - we need reminded that often life does not always work that way. Life is not always easy. In fact, it is often downright tough. Painfully tough! We need to acknowledge this reality. But then we need to press on. But as we do - we must always remember that we are never alone (Isaiah 41:10) and that the one who went to the cross to save us has overcome, assuring us of our final victory (John 16:33). 


So .... no matter how tempted you are to quit when the path you are on grows difficult - don't! Jesus Christ is your constant companion and he will one day lead you to your eternal home! 


Thanks for stopping by . . . 
pj