Enduring through Falls
The opening line of an article caught my attention this week: “More than 14 million older adults fall every year in the U.S., perhaps none so often as 91-year-old Dale Sanders.” This intrigued me, partly because of knowing those that have taken tumbles recently, but also out of concern for the seemingly fumble-footed Mr. Sanders. Why does he fall so often? How did he survive at his age? The poor guy is probably in hospice and moments from final peril.
The article continued: “By his count, Sanders fell 71 times while reclaiming his record as the oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail. Six were what he calls hard falls, including one that led to a brief hospitalization and another just 200 yards from the finish. But none were enough to permanently divert him from [completing] the 2,193-mile trail.”
Not only is Sanders not stuck in bed the rest of his life from his falls, he’s setting human endurance records! After my mere three-day hike with my son last year (which required a tremendous effort), I’m amazed anyone could hike the Appalachian trail, at any age, let alone at 91. Apparently Mr. Sanders held the record back when he was a spry 83 years old. But his best friend stole the record out from under him the next year at 84. Neither shared how many times they fell (if at all) back in those younger days. Ever since then, though, Sanders had been planning to take back his title of “most tenured trail trekker”.
It’s a little cliche, but certainly relevant, to say that even when we take a tumble, it’s important to get back up and keep moving forward. It’s the only way one will finish the hike (at any age) and it’s the only way to experience all that God has for us in our Christian life.
Sunday I challenged everyone to memorize at least one verse this week related to an area of temptation or spiritual struggle. The goal is to be ready, when temptation comes, to quote this verse in order to repel the attack. This was the strategy Jesus employed against Satan in the wilderness in Matthew 4, just prior to the Sermon on the Mount. If it worked for Jesus, we should also lean toward this approach. No doubt you will tumble. Sanders fell 71 times! How many 91 or 81 or 71 or 61 or even 52-year olds would have called it quits after the first tumble? You will face spiritual challenges. You will sin. But you don’t have to stay stuck in your sin. Be equipped with memorized Scripture, ready to face the temptation head on and keep moving forward. The verses I’m working on right now are Ephesians 4:22-24, with an emphasis on being “renewed in the spirit of your minds.”
I pray God guides you to the Scriptures you need for battle this week. If you join us for our first Wednesday night supper of the fall this week, stop by and let me know what verses you are working on memorizing. May God grant you favor as you face the challenges of the long trek of the Christian life.