Climbs Quote by N.D. Wilson
“If God gives you (or makes you) a joke, what are you meant to do in response? (Receive it. Laugh.) If God gives you an obstacle, what are you meant to do in response? (Receive it. Climb it. Then laugh.) If God gives you more profound hardship, what are you meant to do in response? (Receive it. Climb it. Then laugh. Exhibit A: His Son.)”
About This Quote
The passage frames life's challenges as gifts from God—jokes, obstacles, hardships—each to be received, overcome, and met with laughter, culminating in the ultimate example of Christ’s suffering.
In simple terms: Accept and overcome life's gifts with humor.
Key Takeaway
Humor and perseverance transform adversity.
Themes
faith
resilience
humor
suffering
spiritual growth
Mood
hopeful
encouraging
Type
theological
motivational
When to use this quote
- Facing a personal setback with a light‑hearted attitude
- Using humor during a difficult project
Key Concepts
theodicy
grace
Practical Applications
- Practice reframing obstacles as opportunities
- Cultivate a habit of laughter after effort
Questions to Reflect On
- How can humor aid in coping with pain?
- When might laughter be inappropriate?
A Different Perspective
Not all hardships are easily “jokingly” accepted; some require deeper processing.
![“I've often thought about that and the only suitable member to join me on that climb [to Everest] was George Lowe: he was strong, a good man on a mountain, with a great sense of humour, and I liked that. I think George and I could've done that together ... I've probably never told George that.” quote by Edmund Hillary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/165/edmund-hillary-3760_climbs_i-ve-often-thought-about-that-and-the-on_12447.jpg)
