25 Jul Is It Worth It?
On our recent trip to Northern California, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite we hiked and hiked some more. Some of the hikes we did were quite strenuous covering many miles with lots of elevation climb.
I am someone who loves to talk to anyone and everyone. No one is a stranger to me. Even during my triathlon races, I love cheering on the people who pass me. Well on a hike, I am no different. On one of the recent hikes we were on, I started asking people who were finishing and heading downhill as we were just starting and heading uphill, “Is it worth it?”
Have you ever thought that before?
Is it worth the wait?
Is it worth contending and believing and praying?
Is it worth the battle?
“Is it worth it?”
The answers varied among people, but they all came back to one common theme and that was this: it will be tough, it will be long, but once you reach the top, it’s totally worth it.
Today I want to remind you that it is absolutely worth it.
If you are in year 6 for praying for babies, like we are, then it’s worth it to keep praying.
If you are fighting for your marriage which feels like it’s on the brink of divorce, then it’s worth it to keep fighting.
If you are believing for a miracle in the middle of an impossible situation, then it’s worth it to keep believing.
If you are in your 40’s and waiting to find the man of your dreams, then it’s worth it to keep waiting.
It’s worth the discomfort. It’s worth the pain. It’s worth the long journey. It’s worth every step up, even when the mountain in front of you seems too big to climb because when you ascend the mountain with Jesus, it’s always worth it.
Let me tell you many moments during our hikes, it didn’t feel like it would be worth it. Many moments I didn’t think I had the energy to take one more step. Many moments I wondered “why?” Many moments I thought to myself, “it’s just too hard.” But you know what? As I went up the mountain, I felt stronger. As I went up the mountain, even though I couldn’t see the summit, I knew that every step I took I was one step closer to getting to the top. As I went up the mountain I gained a better perspective of my situation. And as I reached the summit? Wow! Was it worth it. Had I even known what was waiting for me at the top, I would have never once questioned “is it worth it?”
You might be facing pain, discomfort, exhaustion and questioning now. You also might not like what you are experiencing but you might be one step, one day, or one prayer away from your summit! So yes, the journey will be worth it, especially when you get to the top.
PS. If you are going through infertility, please head over to join a faith-based support group I founded, Moms in the Making! We are having a conference October 12-13 and you are invited!
PPS. Have you picked up a copy of my book? Buy In Due Time, a 60-day devotional for hope + encouragement in the waiting.
PPPS. I created a group on facebook as an extension of my book + blog to discuss anything + everything. Women only! Come join us!
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Jennifer
Posted at 08:41h, 25 JulyThank you for this reminder…it’s been really hard lately and the “is it worth it” thing has been in my head for days. But until just this minute, I hadn’t passed anyone coming who could say “yeah, it was worth it”. It feels dumb to keep waiting and praying and resting and trusting.
Laura Retter
Posted at 12:56h, 27 JulyI love this Caroline. I’ve had many tough “hikes” in my life–the most recent with infertility. When we reached that “summit” last year with the birth of our sweet Lyla Kate, I can assure you it was so worth it–but not necessarily in the way you might think. Yes, she is a precious, beloved, miracle, gift from God. Yes, I love her to the very depths of my soul. But, the “worth” would have been there no matter the outcome. You see, looking back on the “hike” we had to take to get sweet Lyla, we can see so clearly now how God used it to bring us closer to Him, to grow us in our faith, to arm and equip us to help others. So even if you reach the summit, and the view is nothing like you imagined, or even not such a great view at all–it can be the journey that was so, so worth it! Once again, thank you for sharing thoughts that prompt me to reflect more deeply and meaningfully on my own journey. <3
Rhonda G
Posted at 14:36h, 19 JanuaryThank you for sharing this, Laura! I needed to read this. What a great perspective.
Alexis W
Posted at 13:12h, 28 JulyI love this post so much. It is FOR SURE worth it! So worth it. And somehow the journey doesn’t seem so long or so hard when you reach that peak.