Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
There are so many analogies I can draw on when I find myself hiking up a mountain. There have been many times I find myself struggling to reach the top of a mountain physically, exerting all of the energy I have available. Sometimes when I am having a harder time getting to that mountain top, I recall the emotional valleys I have found myself in. I can talk myself up that mountain by remembering life’s difficult moments and how the Lord has been there to help me through those times. I also can reverse that thought process when I find myself feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of life. I picture myself hiking up that mountain using every bit of energy I have, to finally reach that mountaintop. There is a hike where I live in Palm Desert that is called “The Cross.” It is a hike that takes you back into a canyon and then every now and then takes you straight up the ridge of the mountain. When you get to the end of the hike, there is a huge cross that overlooks the valley. In the evening it shines brightly for all to see. When you reach the top, the view is breathtaking. This hike is somewhat strenuous but there is not too much that can keep you from getting to the cross. That was not how it was one day last week. I started out down in the valley to a very gentle breeze, just enough to cool me down. It wasn’t until I started climbing the ridge that the full intensity of that gentle breeze had changed. I struggled to place one foot in front of the other as I was pelted by blowing sand and tiny rocks. It stung my face and my legs as I was encircled in a dust cloud. It was hard to even keep my eyes open to see where I was headed. I was almost to the top and debated if I should turn around. That is when I was hit with another analogy. This one was so clear to me. Satan will do anything to keep me from the cross, even a dust storm. My determination to reach the top grew even stronger and I finally made it. It was still very windy but I knew if it got any worse, I could wrap my arms and legs tightly around that cross. How about you? What is keeping you from the cross? Is there a wind storm in your life that has shaken your mountaintop faith? Has the dust blinded your eyes from the love God has for you or have you just decided to turn back because things are just too hard? Look up on that mountaintop see the cross and start hiking. Wrap your arms and legs around that cross. It will quiet the storms and His love will be poured out to shine your light for all to see.
– Michele
