Mountain Tops

About two weeks ago my family took a trip to Colorado, which is a beautiful place to go…especially if it’s snowing. None of us had ever been to Colorado before, so we could hardly contain the excitement! We flew into Denver early on Saturday morning and started the drive to Winter Park. For most of the drive, we had no problems whatsoever; however, as we got into the mountains and closer to Winter Park, it began to snow. That may not seem like much of an issue, but to a car full of southerners who hadn’t seen, let alone driven in snow in a very long time…it was a tad nerve wracking. The drive up the mountain had some sharp curves and the roads were definitely getting icy, all while snow kept falling. It was a slow drive up the mountain. We were trudging through some tough conditions though.

As soon as we arrived, all worry was lost in a blur of snow and sleds. But later that night, I thought over our drive up the mountain. It reminded me of difficult seasons of life.

I think if we’re being honest, we’ve all been through or are in the middle of a season that feels like we are just plain trudging up a mountain. The roads are icy and we’re not experienced in driving on them. We know what beauty and joy we’ll experience at the top, but it seems like we’ll never make it up there.

It can be pretty easy to give up. That’s the honest truth, but don’t. Don’t for one second believe the lies telling you that you can’t get past this one.

First of all, the Lord is with you. He goes before you and He stands behind. There’s not a thing you experience that hasn’t first passed through His hands. The greatest victories are brought through the hardest struggles.

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

And may I also remind you (and myself) that it is through trials that our faith is made stronger?

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:2-3)

I know it’s way easier to be confident of that after you’ve been through something, rather than while you’re right in the middle of it but it’s true. Something I have thought about a lot is the way various trials and difficult seasons of life have shaped me. I could honestly say my faith would not be where it was without hard times. Trudging up a mountain forces us to lean on God and be reminded that He’s the only one that can sustain us and carry us through. And He’s able. Our God is able. He’s the creator of all things, the author and perfector of faith, alpha and omega, the beginning and the end.

“This God – his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” (2 Samuel 22:31)

We can take refuge and comfort in the fact that He is in control. Our God is living and active, and He’s not going to leave us to trudge up that mountain alone. We just have to look to Him.

“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.” (Proverbs 4:25-26)

There are a few other verses I want to leave with you today, whatever you may be facing. These are verses that have given me comfort in time of need and I felt impressed to share them with you as well.

“…Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15b)

“I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me.” (Psalm 30:1)

“yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:18)

“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36)

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Much love friends. Keep trudging on, He’s with you.

#trudging #trials