The Mountain

The Mountain

As Christians we all like the mountain tops or highs in our lives and in our faith, but we all realized we must go through the valleys to get to the mountains, and it is said that the valleys is where the fruits are grown. It is in the valleys that we have to go through hardships, much like a real valley where you can have thick forests, rivers, swamps, or even deserts. The interesting things about the mountains is that they are not actually any easier then the valleys.

When I was praying about the mountains and the valleys of life, God reminded me of the times I had been to Alaska and had climbed some mountains. While climbing a mountain the view is amazing but t is a very difficult time. There are times where it is switchbacks that take you what seems like miles yet you only went up a few feet. Other times are long stretches of gradual slope through forest groves or meadows. Also while climbing you are not able to see what is coming ahead, you don’t know if there is a cliff, rockslide, rivers to be crossed, or dangers like bears. The climb is an endurance, with uneven ground, and the altitude changing causing the air to thin.

Near the top of the mountain the climb does not get easier you just have more energy because you know you’re getting close to the goal. The mountain side is barren with little or no water; there is often large boulders and rocks that you have to navigate around or climb over, and shale that make it difficult to walk.

The mountain or highs in life are not always the times that are easier; they are just the times when you find the most joy, peace, and happiness. These times can come from many different things, for one they are times that you are closes to God, like on the mountain when the entire world seems to be beneath your feet and the heavens in your reach. They are also times when you are with others in good fellowship; one of the most important rules of climbing a mountain is to not go alone and the party you go with it is vital that they trust each other.

When it comes to life and the mountains and valleys they are both full of difficulties and trials that you must navigate, but it is in these times, places, situations that we are able to grow. We grow in the fruits of the Spirit, we grow in character, we grow in trust of God, and we grow in our relationship with God the creator. God sets our paths before us, with every mountain and valley to be traveled through with him and hopefully with others, know this always remember that he is in control and is there to give you strength. Life is not a sprint it is a marathon, pace yourself and finish the race.