Nowhere To Go But Up

There’s nowhere to go but up from here. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy; but I’ll tell you this, it’s going to be easier from here. I’ve been through too much to even flinch at anything the future has to offer. “Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (I Cor. 15:10)
I’ve felt the suffocating grip of loneliness. Yet when it was done squeezing me, Jesus was still with me. I’ve felt the nauseating feeling of helplessness. Yet when there was no more help to hold onto, that’s when I discovered that God’s hope was holding onto me. I know what it’s like to taste despair and swallow shame. Yet both ingredients have been part of the necessary batter that brought to the surface a purpose and a passion, which would never have been released otherwise. And that’s just it; only the wisdom of God could have filtered so much good out of a pit.
It’s usually in the ditches of life where you feel the lowest and dirtiest; but at the same time, it’s your fallen position that gives you every reason to start climbing. Up and out, to truly know what being clean is all about. “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” (I Cor. 15:10) And I am coming out stronger than I went in.
You see, claiming to be strong is not wrong when you know it’s not your strength. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) So I will rely on His strength supply. Not like Superman – “up, up, and away” – but with the Son of Man, who takes me up in the way; for He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Christ is the only way that completely dissolves the presence of strife.
There’s still more glory to be had for God. And this place of prison was nothing more than a launching pad to Him. What about my crime and punishment, many may wonder. The cross of Christ already redeemed it – now that’s the only wonder! “You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.” (Psalms 77:14)
There’s nowhere to go but up from here. “And His grace toward me was not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
ED. NOTE: The author and professional athlete of Court House is serving five-and-a-half years in state prison after pleading guilty in October 2009 to manslaughter and driving while intoxicated. His blogs have been read by over 500,000 people in every state, 121 countries, and in 67 different languages. You can learn more at www.themattmaherstory.com.