Walking With Jesus – Even When.

Walking with Jesus

Walking with Jesus…Even When

Pastor Calvin Cook

Day 5 – July 13, 2026

Scripture: “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” — Hebrews 12:1-2

Before we get too far into this journey and conversation about walking with Jesus, I don’t want it to sound as though the walk will always be easy. The pathway isn’t always smooth. Along the way there will be obstacles, distractions, steep climbs, and even times when we allow the temptation of sin to either pause our walk or lead us off the path altogether.

Walking with Jesus isn’t always easy.

But it is always worth it.

Years ago, while serving on a mission trip in Haiti, our team set out to visit a remote church high in the mountains. The only way to reach it was by foot along a steep, narrow trail that seemed to climb forever. Each of us carried backpacks filled with school supplies, hygiene items, and gifts for the children.

The climb was difficult. The backpacks became heavier with every step. There were moments when we wondered how much farther we had to go. There were even a few “are we there yet” and “I can’t go any further”.

Thankfully, our guide understood the journey. He was patient with us, stopping often so we could catch our breath. Take a drink of water. He offered encouragement when we became tired and reminded us that what waited ahead would be worth every step.

Finally, we reached the top of the mountain.

There stood the church, the school, and a handful of simple homes.

Waiting for us were 100 or more children, parents, teachers, village people.

These children and this community, without that mission outpost, likely would never have received an education, or heard about Jesus.

Their excitement erased every memory of the difficult climb. They sang to us. They welcomed us. They eagerly received the supplies we had carried up the mountain. They wrapped their arms around us with smiles that spoke louder than words.

In that moment, I realized something I have never forgotten. The road was hard. But the destination was worth it.

As I think back today, I also realize that if someone asked me to make that same climb now, I might hesitate. Age has a way of making us calculate the cost before we ever begin. Discouragement whispers that we are too old, too tired, too weak, or too late.

Yet during some difficult seasons recently, I have sensed the Holy Spirit repeating three simple words to my heart:

Be faithful. Trust.

Not because the road is easy. Not because every obstacle disappears. But because Jesus never calls us to walk alone.

When Jesus leads us down a difficult path, He also provides the strength to continue. He knows every hill we will climb, every burden we will carry, and every place where we will need to stop and catch our breath. He walks with us through every step.

As I continue advancing in years, I still believe God has placed dreams, goals, and Kingdom work before me. Some of those paths may be steep. Some may stretch me beyond what I think I can do.

But Jesus has never failed me.

And He never will.

So I will keep walking with Jesus…

Even when the road is difficult.

Even when the climb is steep.

Even when I grow weary.

Because every step with Jesus brings us closer to the place He has prepared.

Will you keep walking with Jesus too?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for never abandoning us on the difficult roads of life. When we grow weary, strengthen us. When discouragement speaks, remind us to be faithful and to trust You. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, knowing that every step of obedience has eternal purpose. Keep us walking faithfully until the day we stand in Your presence. Amen.