Mountain Tops

Habakkuk 3:19: "The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights."

I came across this picture recently of me from 1978 when I was in high school. It was taken in Colorado on top of Mt. Princeton, a 14,000 foot mountain. I’m at the top with an incredible view behind me. I remember how very hard the climb was for me. Most of the other people just flew by me and were headed back down the mountain before I made it to the top. I was discouraged and wanted to quit 3/4 of the way up. I convinced myself it would be okay because I had already made it farther than most people ever would. That was good enough for me. People encouraged me to keep going, not to give up. One girl had her hand on my back encouraging me to move up and forward. I noticed a boy on crutches near me who was one of two other people yet to reach the top. He was determined to reach the top! I decided if I could walk his slow, steady pace, then I would make it. If he could make it on crutches, I could make it without crutches. We both made it together to the top. What a celebration the 2 of us had!!

That’s how our Christian walk is at times. We’re tired and exhausted from climbing an overwhelmingly high mountain. We think we can’t make it. We think this is close enough. We can settle for less and just stop. We’ll settle for almost there. God doesn’t want us to stop or settle for less than He has for us.

The thought had also crossed my mind that other people made it to the top and took pictures. They could show me the pictures of the view at the top. Then I would know what it looked like without the hard work. How would that feel? That would never be the same. Their success doesn’t cancel my calling to the top or lower it to settling. God still calls us to keep moving up and forward.

During difficult times when we think we can’t make it, find someone in the same place as you, someone who understands your tiredness and walk with each other and keep moving. Or, look around and see if there’s anyone near you who is tired and encourage them. Walk beside them for a time. Encourage one another not settle but reach the gorgeous mountaintop view!

Make sure you and others make it to the top. It will be worth the climb!