The Appalachian Trail is a 2,200+/- mile marked hiking trail that extends between Georgia and Maine. It is considered the longest hiking-only trail in the world with an estimated 2 million+ people hiking on part of the trail at least once each year. Although I only hiked a very short distance, many hike the entire 2,200 miles continuously (“Thru-Hikers”) in one season. Others, when completing the entire hike, turn around and thru-hike the trail the other way, known as a "yo-yo". To complete this hike in any manner takes great perseverance, discipline, and self-control.
These same traits are required to be a follower of Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 sets a very clear vision: “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…”. Just as the hikers enjoy the journey but have their eyes set on the completion point of their hike, so should we enjoy every day without letting our eyes stray from our finish line—Jesus! We, like the hikers, face obstacles along the way, we grow weary, we often have doubts and consider taking the easy path. Resist that temptation. Hebrews 12:3 (NIV) offers encouragement: “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart”.
With Jesus’ help we can persevere. Keep your eyes on Jesus!
I Found Him…along the Appalachian Trail.