Leading to Triumph
2 Corinthians 2:14 (ISV)
But thanks be to God! He always leads us triumphantly in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of knowing him.
There are certain people that, if followed will always lead to a victory, to the goal achieved- to triumph. Now, the way to that victory may have some pretty difficult terrain, but if the leader is only followed, one can be quite certain that success is inevitable.
When my brother and I set out to climb mount Kilimanjaro several years ago, we were assigned a porter, or guide. The trail to the top of the mountain started in jungle-like landscape and extended over 20 miles up the huge mountain, most of it above timberline. We might have been able to eventually find our way to the top, but we could have also very easily lost our way altogether as there were many forks along the path. There was also the fact that most of the way was up, which meant difficult. In fact, the last portion was almost straight up over volcanic gravel. Without the direction and encouragement of our experienced porter, we definitely might have chosen a more horizontal option, maybe even just stretched out for a little r & r. We did make it to the top, however, which was inevitable as long as we kept following our faithful leader. At any point along the way, when the going got extremely difficult we could also be most grateful for the comfort in knowing that every step in the footsteps of our leader was a step towards our goal.
Our Redeemer has already won an incredible victory, and He’s done it on our behalf. He is headed even now towards a summit that is far above the clouds overlooking all that might have been so difficult to ascend. For all who will but follow, there can be so much gratitude for the fact that no matter how difficult the terrain, every step is taking us ever closer to the ultimate triumph in Him. In fact ever step that follows His leading is a step that is itself victorious. Through rejection, persecution, discouragement, and an incredible amount of opposition, if we’ll not take any alternate route and just never quit following, triumph is a continual possession. He’s always leading us there.