The Hard Hill and the Palace Beautiful

“Put on the whole armour of God.” — from Ephesians 6

Soon the path came to a steep hill called Difficulty. It was so steep that Christian had to climb on his hands and knees! Halfway up there was a little shelter to rest in, and Christian sat down — but he was so tired he fell fast asleep, and the precious letter slipped out of his hand.

When he woke and hurried on, he suddenly realised the letter was gone! Oh, how sad he was. He had to walk all the way back down to find it. There it was, right where he had slept. He picked it up, thanked God, and climbed on.

Near the top of the hill stood two lions, and they roared! Two travellers had just run away in fright. But a watchman called out, “Don’t be afraid of the lions — they are chained! Just keep to the middle of the path.” So Christian walked bravely between them, and they could not touch him.

At the top was a grand house called the Palace Beautiful, built to help tired travellers. Kind women named Discretion, Prudence, Piety and Charity welcomed him, fed him, and let him rest. And before he left, they dressed him head to foot in strong, shining armour — for the road ahead.

Following God can be a steep, tiring climb, and sometimes the things that scare us are chained and cannot really hurt us. God gives us rest, good friends, and armour for the journey. Keep climbing — and stay on the path.

Dear God, when the way is hard and steep, give me rest, and dress me in your armour to keep going. Amen.