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Part Three: Persistent Climbing

 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

I grew up in the country near the intersection of Division Road and Hill Road. Division Road separated two townships, but Hill Road separated the men from the boys.

As an energetic and hyperactive twelve-year-old kid, I’d ride a quarter mile up our dirt road to Hill Road. There I’d hang a right onto the pavement and head toward the long, steep downhill grade which gave Hill Road its name. That was a scary, gleeful ride that I once clocked at 25 mph!

Once at the bottom, I’d slowly turn around, summon my inner Superman, and charge up that steep incline. I’d make it about a quarter of the way before having to dismount and walk the rest of the way, panting in the hot summer sun.

Day after day, I’d ride down that hill, turn around, and attack it from the bottom, churning my feet with my heart pounding like a war drum. I was at war with that hill. I had to conquer it. I became fixated, tenacious, and obsessed. Each time I climbed, I made it further and further, though not close to the top.

I had been telling Dad how hard it was to climb that hill, and he said it was impossible. I didn’t believe him. After all, I was the one on the bike, and I was seeing progress as my young legs and lungs grew strong very quickly.

One day I came home and walked in the house smiling. I looked at Dad and said, “I just climbed Hill Road without stopping.”

He said, “You’re serious? How? I can’t believe it!” I was serious, and later on I had the opportunity to show him what my persistence could accomplish on a bike.

My friend, whatever hill is in front of you will only be overcome if you do your part with persistence. If Christ is living inside of you, then He will strengthen you for the road ahead, especially if that road appears steep and daunting.

Dominate your hill today and give God the glory for it!

7 thoughts on “Part Three: Persistent Climbing”

  1. Good day Eric 😉 I have been looking forward to this next cycling devotional. Your Hill Road story reminds me of my regular cycling trips to Kirkcaldy from my home in Dundonald, it was the last 2 miles down Oriel Road that was like your Hill Road…downhill into town but uphill coming home. I had a similar relationship with that hill to yours with Hill Road – what a sweet victory that was! I found that the more hills I climbed on my bike the better I got at conquering them, which was probably the case for you too. As you point out accurately the same should be true in our walk with God; if we surrender the peaks to Him He will meet us at the top where we can celebrate together.

    Thank you for these great posts Eric! God bless you today brother 🙏

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    1. Thanks, brother Alan! I’ve been looking forward to writing these, but have been so busy lately that my time has been spent working on other things…hoping to change that!

      Your childhood sounds like mine: roaming around and enjoying the world on two wheels. I actually thank God for the bicycle, it’s an amazing invention that has only gotten better with time.

      Yes, that was a victorious day, although when I made it to the top there was only the open fields and forests to join my celebration…and the downhill, dirt road ride back home was the sweetest reward!

      Have a great day brother Alan!👊🏻🙏

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  2. What an inspiring story! I needed this reminder today. I feel like I’ve been climbing that same hill for years without progress. I look forward to the day that I will conquer it and coast down the other side.

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  3. Thank you for this inspirational message of persistence. You must have been so proud to announce your achievement to your dad. You were not timid about using the gifts God gave you. Praise the Lord for the strength He makes available to us. 🙂

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    1. I was pretty happy that day…I had never seen anyone ride up that rural hill on a bike, so as far as I knew, it was a first in a long time.

      It set the stage for many more climbs, to be revealed in the next “episodes”.😁

      Thanks for stopping by, Nancy! Have a blessed day!🙏

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