The Power to Change

Longs Peak, Colorado

Longs Peak is in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. It ranks as the fifteenth highest peak in Colorado at 14,259 feet.

What looks like it should be a fairly easy climb to the summit isn't easy at all. First of all the shortest route is still thirteen miles one way. The elevation gain on the popular Key Hole Route is 5,100 ft., and the easiest climb is a class 3 climb. There are no class 1 routes to the top.

Given all of these facts there is still something that tugs at me to climb Longs Peak.

The route of growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ isn't easy. I'm not talking about salvation. Christ did it all for us. His death, his resurrection and his washing of us in baptism are his acts not ours. Luther said it well in the Small Catechism, "I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord..."

Growing as a follower of Jesus is a life of change and change isn't easy. Yet there is something (or Someone) that tugs on me to grow as Christ's disciple.

"Turn to God and change the way you think and act, because the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 3:2 God's Word to the Nations

Repentance, the act of changing, is a gift of faith and faith is a gift from God. Belief in the abundant forgiveness of God changes the way we think. Yet this change is difficult. Repentance is a daily act of faith. God's Word confronts us with our need for change and it provides the power for that change.

Change may be difficult, yet change (not perfection) is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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(Click on picture to enlarge.)

Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.