I was riding my bike back from an event in Cedar Springs on Saturday, and there’s one stretch I really enjoy: it’s a nice downhill run. Downhill is so much fun! I get to zip along with very minimal effort.

King Solomon wrote a letter to another king and talked about his downhill run:

But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster.

Downhill is a breeze, but there are some problems with it…

• I build only minimal muscle going downhill
• My stamina is not stretched at all
• Aerobic exercise is almost non-existent
• It’s harder to stop

Downhill is fun, but I need some uphill climbs too:

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials [some uphill climbs], for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.