Ditch the Ditch

Quite a few years ago as Mister Bill made his way to his tree stand, he began to stumble on the otherwise familiar and well-traveled path. Daylight revealed exposed tree roots where wild hogs had literally plowed the ground as they "rooted" for food. Mister Bill's final confrontation with Mr. Hog ended in some real tasty meals! God knows how very difficult life is, and how we struggle at times just to stay on our feet. He describes us in Isaiah 40:29-30 as faint, weak, weary, and falling. We’re quick to say we're ready for life's whatevers but they can threaten to swallow us whole! Flinging our arms up in desperation then crumbling beneath the heaviness, we often end up in the Ditch of Despair. That "ditch" has been described as a "grave with both ends kicked out." Sound familiar? That ditch is not where God wants His children to be -- Believers are not ditch dwellers! Paul's words are music to listening ears: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken, cast down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Instead, Believers are overcomers -- not distressed! not in despair! not forsaken! not destroyed! Christ redeemed us for victorious living! His promises are as good today as the day they were penned: "Fear thou not; For I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My Righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10). Because of Christ, the day and the way are ours -- God promised! So ... ditch the ditch!