Generally speaking, we as Americans live in a society where most of the things we want are well within our reach without our having to exert a lot of effort. We have instant microwave meals, 100 or more TV channels in HD at the touch of a button. We can go to the grocery store or the shopping mall and find anything we want. In essence, we are for the most part a “spoiled society.”
When we encounter detours in life, we are quick to complain and immediately look for someone or something to blame. In most instances when we are faced with serious setbacks in our lives, God is probably trying to prepare us for something we will face later on. There is an old country song titled, “This Time You Gave Me A Mountain.” In addition to the obstacles we face in everyday life, sometimes we encounter mountains that seem impossible to climb. But when we rely on God and His timing and direction, things seem to work themselves out, and we are stronger people because we overcame the obstacles. We must remember that if the mountain were slick, it would be impossible to climb it at all.
Each time we face a setback while climbing our mountain and overcome it, we are stronger and better able to tackle the next “bumps” in our journey. Think of Abraham climbed the mountain and was told to sacrifice his own son. Do you think you would have had enough faith to follow God’s command as Abraham did? Throughout the Bible we see instances when God called one of His people to go up a mountain so He could deliver a message to him. Each time this happened and that person obeyed God, his faith became stronger and he was able to handle the next detour on his path because of renewed faith in God’s ability to see him through whatever came along .
Another country song happens to be one of my favorites titled, “Go Rest High on that Mountain.” It conveys the message that you have conquered the rough mountain, and now it is time to get your reward. It is through our faith in God that we can defeat the rough spots on our own personal mountain and spend eternity with Him in paradise.
So the next time you are faced with a boulder while on your climb up your mountain, just be glad that you are not on that slick mountain that no one can climb. When you are faithful in your walk with God, He will be faithful to hold your hand, give you comfort and show you the path regardless of how rough your mountain seems to be. Remember, nothing is impossible with God.
