By Peggy Still –
Mountainous obstacles in life are a given. These mountains may be a difficult relationship, a chronic illness or a difficult job. Our first reaction is to pray for their removal. Rather than allow them to block our spiritual growth, God can make these obstacles work for His purpose and in our favor.
Such conditions are the means that can produce the gifts for which we have so long prayed. We think if they were removed we would experience immediate victory. Remember, God allowed those mountains in your path. They are there for a reason, and the Lord sees everything. So when we come to the foot of the mountain we are not to pray for an easy way around it, we are to pray for strength to climb it.
“The purpose of our trials is not only to test our worthiness but also to increase it, just as the mighty oak is tested by the storms as well as strengthened by them” – F.B. Meyers. Christ will not lead us to greatness through an easy or self-indulgent life. It is hard work and difficulties that lead us there.
Good things come from climbing mountains. Jesus lodged with friends in Bethany located at the ridge of the Mount of Olives. During His final week teaching in the temple, he spent each night on the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37). One can only assume He found inspiration there.
It is from the Mount of Olives that Jesus sends two disciples to prepare for His entry into Jerusalem, His triumphant entry beginning on its summit. It is where He took the disciples and blessed them just before His ascension.
Rather than trying to escape the mountain, let’s run to it as Jesus did. Great things can come from turning our mountain into a road for which to travel to the next summit.
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