Covered Along the Way

Imagine a roof that follows you as you walk. In Bologna, that is exactly what happens. The Portico of San Luca stretches for 2.4 miles, creating a covered path of hundreds of arches that leads all the way up a steep hill to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca at its summit.

Holding the record as the world's longest covered walkway, construction on this epic structure started in 1674 to shield pilgrims from the weather during their hilltop processions.

As I walked beneath the shelter of this stunning walkway, I realized it beautifully mirrors how God cares for us. The arches offer shade and protection along the journey, but they don't take away the hill. The climb is still there, and the pilgrims must still keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Life is much the same. God does not remove every burden or spare us from every difficult season. But He gives us His presence along the way. The Scripture says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

Sometimes we pray for the problem to disappear, for the answer to come quickly, or for the mountain before us to become easier to climb. Yet while we are praying for a different road, God may be giving us a shelter of grace for the journey.

One arch may be a friend who calls at the right moment. Another may be a Scripture verse that speaks directly to our heart. Another may be the strength to rise in the morning and take one more step. Then comes an unexpected kindness, a quiet prayer, a door opening, or a peace we cannot explain.

Grace often appears one arch at a time.

We may not be able to see the entire road ahead. We may wonder how much farther we have to climb. But God sees the whole journey. His shelter has already been prepared over the steps we have yet to take.

Perhaps today you are climbing a difficult hill. Your steps feel heavy, and the destination seems far away. Keep walking. There is grace above you, strength within you, and a faithful God beside you.

The road may remain long, but you are covered along the way.