Every summer my mother-in-law heads for the mountains of Colorado. She goes from the hot and humid weather of West Tennessee to the cool, crisp refreshing air of the Rocky Mountains.
The trip by car is long, boring and a little treacherous once you get into the curves and rise of the land, but is very well worth the voyage to see the world from a different elevation.
Seems a lot like the journey of life.
More often than not, I speed down a road looking for a joy-ride, but fail to find the thrill in the view around me. Then, there are times when I’m tired, lost and can’t find the courage to take another step – all the while desperately wanting to jump on the easy train and head south. (Preferably to a beach community with a pool and swim-up bar)
Both of the above scenarios are common in life and will continue to plague each of us throughout our days. The key to a successful and safe travel is putting our faith in the One who created the road.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
This passage is comforting because it declares the authority of Jesus Christ, but my humanness sometimes cries loudly (insert howling and whining) in the face of pain, unfairness, sickness, death, prospering wicked people, hatefulness, self-righteousness, self-seekers and down-right ugliness!
I don’t like climbing mountains and facing harrowing and scary ordeals!!!! Plus, I’m dreadfully scared of heights!!! I also like to know what is at the end of the road so I know how to prepare for it.
Hmmm…if I continue to think like that, I’m going to live a life of fear, cowardice and emotional paralysis.
I have to remember that I’m not traveling this way alone.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:19
I will always face mountains in life and I will probably continue to struggle with keeping my head on straight and not succumbing to anxiety and worry. The road may not get easier, but my faith will get stronger as I lean on God’s strength to guide me through all of the rough thoroughfares of life. Plus, I have to remember that the view at God’s elevation is going to be worth the effort.
Why? You ask.
- “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” John 14:2
- “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:1-5
- “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
- “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 1Corinthians 2:9
The view at the top appears worth it to me!!!
What mountains are you facing today?
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 28:20 – A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
I agree with what you wrote. You face mountains in your life and you need to have faith that God will help. I enjoy your writings. Love you Meg.