experienced runners going up hill don't get discouraged when they move only with great effort. they recognize that although the pace is slower and requires more effort, the reason lies in the terrain, not in how well they are doing. if these runners crest the hill and begin going downhill, they don't assume they are feeling better simply because they now run faster with less effort; on the contrary, they recognize that the terrain has again changed. when we don't take the spiritual terrain into account, we may be doing better or worse than we think; our walk with Christ may feel like a struggle, but that's only because of the difficulties we're going through...

when faced with a difficult terrain, we need to remember that just as seasons change, so trails level out. on the other hand, those who are having it particularly easy should remember that around the corner, the trail may lead uphill...

the point is that we can't expect the same from ourselves when we are going uphill as we are going downhill. God doesn't, and a wise spiritual counselor won't either. just because we seem to be struggling more doesn't necessarily mean there is hidden sin or that we have lost our faith or that we have grown lukewarm; it could simply mean we are traveling uphill, and until the terrain flattens out, we're going to be going forward with great effort.