Several years ago, Pat and I took a trip down to Georgia to visit friends. One day, they decided to take us to see Stone Mountain, which is outside of Atlanta. Stone Mountain is described as “the largest exposed granite dome in North America” (stonemountaincity.org). We decided we would do more than just a drive by the mountain and actually take the time to climb to the top. We had climbed a couple of mountains over the years so Pat and I were game and ready to go. I had no doubt I could make this climb without any trouble. Well, I was wrong. For some reason, climbing this mountain was extremely difficult for me. Several thoughts raced through my head, the most rational one was to sit myself down and have them pick me up on their way back down. I was overcome with defeat. Every muscle in my legs and back cried for mercy. There were moments when I crawled along, down on all fours, trying to make my way up this mountain. Pat took my hand and held on, trying to drag me get to the top. Everyone cheered me on, encouraging me to keep going, I was almost there. It was quite a moment when I did finally make it. But, then I turned around and realized; “Now I must go all the way back down.” New Yorkers aren’t used to the Georgia heat and, oh my, was it ever hot. I will never forget the slow hard climb. The pain endured during the process of climbing the mountain and the determination it took to not give up. And the joy I discovered at the top.
It amazes me how life can be like that mountain climb in many ways. There are times when we will stand face to face with our own mountain and have it stare us down. We stand at the base and wonder how we will ever get to the summit. And if we make it to the top, can we make it safely down the other side? One definition of mountain is, “a great mass.” (see more here), so we might be faced with a mountain, or, a great mass of difficulty as we walk through life. It may be a mountain in our finances, relationships, work, or our health. When we are faced with these types of mountains, or struggles, we have three options.
First, some people can make it up the mountain quickly because they have conditioned their bodies for the task. They have been in training. They have taken the necessary steps to prepare for the climb by working out and building their endurance. They work hard to prepare, mentally and physically, to climb to the highest peak of the mountain. Their goal is to make it to the summit and they are determined that nothing will defeat them. Then there are those who try to put forth a good effort in climbing the mountain. But, in reality, they haven’t prepared their bodies for the work necessary to make it to the top. I thought I was ready to make the climb up Stone Mountain with very little preparation for it. I was out of shape, physically and very weak mentally. My mind told me I was ready and able when standing at the bottom, but when it became too difficult, I wanted to quit. We also have the people who decide there is no possible way to get over the mountain so why even bother to try. Friends may try to encourage and help them, but, they refuse to take one step for fear it will just lead to failure. We are going to face mountains every day of our earthly life and with each mountain we have a choice. Refuse any attempt to climb it, start and quit, or take one step at a time climb towards the top.
The Lord promised the Israelites He had a good land waiting for them. He called it the “Promised Land.” I believe He has a Promised Land for each of us as well. We only need to decide if we will do what is necessary to posses it. Deuteronomy 1:5-8 has Moses reminding the people, “The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: ‘You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey’…See, I have set the land before you; go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give to them and their descendants after them’” (Deuteronomy 1:6, 7a, 8, emphasis mine).
Take a look at your mountain, decide that you have dwelt at it long enough and turn and take your journey. Ask the Lord to help you prepare for the journey, ask Him to take you by your hand and lead you. He is able and ready to help you. Be determined to make it to the top of the mountain, knowing you did it and you did not give up in defeat!
It amazes me how life can be like that mountain climb in many ways. There are times when we will stand face to face with our own mountain and have it stare us down. We stand at the base and wonder how we will ever get to the summit. And if we make it to the top, can we make it safely down the other side? One definition of mountain is, “a great mass.” (see more here), so we might be faced with a mountain, or, a great mass of difficulty as we walk through life. It may be a mountain in our finances, relationships, work, or our health. When we are faced with these types of mountains, or struggles, we have three options.
First, some people can make it up the mountain quickly because they have conditioned their bodies for the task. They have been in training. They have taken the necessary steps to prepare for the climb by working out and building their endurance. They work hard to prepare, mentally and physically, to climb to the highest peak of the mountain. Their goal is to make it to the summit and they are determined that nothing will defeat them. Then there are those who try to put forth a good effort in climbing the mountain. But, in reality, they haven’t prepared their bodies for the work necessary to make it to the top. I thought I was ready to make the climb up Stone Mountain with very little preparation for it. I was out of shape, physically and very weak mentally. My mind told me I was ready and able when standing at the bottom, but when it became too difficult, I wanted to quit. We also have the people who decide there is no possible way to get over the mountain so why even bother to try. Friends may try to encourage and help them, but, they refuse to take one step for fear it will just lead to failure. We are going to face mountains every day of our earthly life and with each mountain we have a choice. Refuse any attempt to climb it, start and quit, or take one step at a time climb towards the top.
The Lord promised the Israelites He had a good land waiting for them. He called it the “Promised Land.” I believe He has a Promised Land for each of us as well. We only need to decide if we will do what is necessary to posses it. Deuteronomy 1:5-8 has Moses reminding the people, “The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: ‘You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey’…See, I have set the land before you; go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give to them and their descendants after them’” (Deuteronomy 1:6, 7a, 8, emphasis mine).
Take a look at your mountain, decide that you have dwelt at it long enough and turn and take your journey. Ask the Lord to help you prepare for the journey, ask Him to take you by your hand and lead you. He is able and ready to help you. Be determined to make it to the top of the mountain, knowing you did it and you did not give up in defeat!
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