The Climb may be Steep, but the View is Worth it.

I don’t know about you, but the mountains that I feel before me seem like an endless trekking adventure that I find myself participating in but don’t remember signing up for. Day after day, issue after issue, situation after situation, and just when I think I am getting the handle of the climb and reach a plateau large enough that I feel that I can take a pause, rest for the moment to enjoy the view before I move on, there seems to be another urgent, immediate and in need of my attention event that takes my focus, and draws my eyes away from noticing the things worth noticing and taking the rest I need in Jesus.

Somedays it all seems too much. The mountain looks jagged and rough before me, and the storm clouds are closing in on me as well. Somedays I feel weary, worn out and spent. Somedays I just want to curl up in a blanket and hide from the world. Somedays I let the steepness of the mountain take my focus, and I lose sight of my climbing companion, the one from whom I get my strength, my protection from the storms and strife, and the one who gives me rest when I am weary, worn out and spent. He takes my load, carries my burdens, and holds me in His arms. In him I am sheltered, safe, and loved.

Our viewpoint of living has a lot to do with how we walk through this journey. The view from the plateau that we may be standing on right now is amazing! And from here, we can see where we have come from, and all the situations, circumstances, and overwhelming events that we got through. For me, I know that I could not have made it through any of them in my own strength and come out the other side intact. I know that I have only made it this far through the love, grace, and strength of Jesus. His faithfulness weaves through my life, and from my point of elevation I can see where He has led me, and where I have attempted to push on without Him.

If you are climbing uphill today, take in the breath of Christ in you as you travel. Let the Holy Spirit flow through you and energise your steps and you step out in Christ. Remind yourself of the faithfulness of God and press on, for you are not on this climb alone, and you are not unequipped. The battle is not ours but the Lord’s, and He has equipped you to push through any circumstance that comes before you.

Remember who is with you on your climb. Remember who is directing your path and lighting the way. When life feels overwhelming has the weight is pressing you down, kneel. Kneel before the Lord and talk to Him. Look to Jesus to show you what is important and what your role in it is. This is an interactive adventure we are on, and we all have a purpose to fulfill. When the climb is tough, or when it is easy, feed your faith. Listen to podcasts of sermons, read God’s word, sing worship and praise songs to God. We may not be able to see that God is working in our lives as we climb, but He is. It takes trust and faith to keep climbing. But the view is worth it.

For Discussion:

What does the view look like from where you are right now?

What do you find yourself focusing on? The Steepness of the mountain before you, or the view as you travel through the steepness?

Every step of steepness is taking you to a new level in growth. The view of our circumstances can get in the way of our climb and distract our eyes from our destination. What ways do you use to help keep your focus on your climb?

What advice would you give others as they move through their climb?

Lastly:

Isaiah 55:9

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Colossians 3:2

Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.