Trudging Through

The word "trudge" is not a glamorous word. It does not concoct lofty ideas. It does not roll off the tongue with elegance or eloquence. It is a common variety word. A blue collar word. It means "a difficult and laborious walk."

People trudge through trials. You trudge through overly committed days, challenging health issues, and difficult financial seasons. Trudging is slow. Trudging is not running. It is not an all out sprint. It is slow. Methodical. Cumbersome. Progress may be made but slowly and with much effort. Trudging requires determination and patience.

How many are trudging through every hour of everyday? How many are moving forward with great difficulty? Trudging is not fun but it is necessary. It is necessary for the farmer and rancher facing trials like droughts, bottomed out market prices, and pests that destroy crops and grass. Farmers and ranchers trudge ahead plowing and planting crops and feeding and breeding cattle.  Parents trudge through toddlerhood, sleepless nights, endless ball games and practices, and work in the market place when they feel like and when they don't.

The coach trudges ahead through loss after loss trying to rebuild the program. The teacher trudges through months of classroom instruction hoping for the day when students truly engage in the learning process. Military personnel trudge through war zones trying to stem the tide of evil. They sacrifice their families, at times their physical well being, and some their lives to trudge ahead for freedom. The nurse trudges through another shift of caring for patients, tending their needs, and at times grieving their loss. Pastors trudge through personal attacks, low attendance, endless sermon preparation, and personal setbacks.

I want to turn our attention to another trudging; one I hope will inspire us to keep walking forward no matter how difficult or laborious the journey may be. Hebrews 12:2-3 (YLT) 
²  looking to the author and perfecter of faith--Jesus, who, over-against the joy set before him--did endure a cross, shame having despised, on the right hand also of the throne of God did sit down;
³  for consider again him who endured such gainsaying from the sinners to himself, that ye may not be wearied in your souls--being faint.

The cross was heavy. Each step Jesus took with His bloodied back oozing a crimson flow was difficult. Jesus trudged to Calvary with the cross. He resolutely trudged to His crucifixion. He trudged through the piercing crown into His skull. He endured the penetrating nails into His hands and feet. He hung in agonizing pain but did not waver from His purpose. He trudged right through crucifixion, to death,  then to the grave, but ultimately to the resurrection. 

I know you are weary. I know the path before you is difficult. I know the temptation to quit overwhelms you at times. I know each step is laborious and you want to quit pushing ahead. Stop to rest for awhile if need be but, resolve in your mind you will keep trudging through. There is hope ahead. There are better days around the bend. If not in this life for sure then in Heaven. Ponder those things weary one. Keep trudging.