Take the High Ground…Rise Above

In life, we will have obstacles. Some obstacles are easy and we could hurdle right over them, while other hindrances we encounter may make us feel defeated before we even attempt to persevere through them.
While Tim and I were walking the Lower Green Swamp trails, after days of rain, we came upon this small puddle of water in our path. Approaching it, I scanned the land surrounding it to evaluate the best path to take. It was slightly obvious where the higher ground was, so…we took the high ground.
This reminded me of how we need to take “the high ground” in life with any obstacles/hindrances/difficulties in life.
Your deterrent may be a situation or a person. Whatever it is standing in our way of moving forward in life, how we respond to the situation/person is important.
Someone may say or do something about/to you that isn’t nice…take the high ground. Rise above.
Someone may get that promotion at work that you’ve been desiring and working for…take the high ground. Rise above.
You’ve had a crappy season where nothing seems to go your way…take the high ground. Rise above.
When you read Romans 12, Paul is giving us guidelines for living as redeemed people in a fallen world. (Read it! Good stuff on living!) In verse 14 he penned the words (from God) “Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.” Yikes! Isn’t that often difficult to do? Well, do it any way. God said so. Take the high ground…Rise above.
Romans isn’t the only place we see evidence of an instruction on taking the high ground. 1 Peter 3:9 reminds us, “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” Take the high ground…Rise above.
I’m sure we can dig deeper into God’s word and we would see numerous times when we are encouraged to respond with a heart like His.
That’s right. Jesus took the high ground often. He showed mercy beyond. You don’t have to look very far to see an example of His mercy and grace. Just look in the mirror. We didn’t deserve it, yet He loves and desires a relationship with us. So… For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Remember…when you respond to that obstacle, you’re not facing it alone. Jesus has been there, done that, and is with you through it all. Persevere with God.

On the hilltop along the road, she (wisdom) takes her stand at the crossroads. Proverbs 8:2

I pray that you will be an overcomer. Stand on the hilltop of Christ and stand firm. Be strong, my friend. This too shall pass. Take the high ground…Rise above.
Blessings and love to you and yours, Stephanie.