July 19, 2016
Where Would I Be Without My Mountains?
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2, NIV).
Friend to Friend
Dan and I have been all over the United States and the world … but we had never been to Montana. So when I booked a speaking engagement there, we decided to take a few days following the event for a mini-vacation.
We fell in love with Montana! The event was amazing! The leadership, preparation, and prayer that had gone into the planning of the conference blessed me in a huge way. I knew before the doors opened that God was all over it. And I was so right! God’s presence was powerful as 12 women surrendered their lives to Him and dozens of others made fresh commitments that would forever change their lives! So I was already flying high as Dan and I left Billings, Montana and made our way to Yellowstone National Park.
The drive was beautiful … but flat. We saw hills and what some might call mountains in the distance. But like I said, Dan and I have been all over the world – to Latin America, New Zealand, Peru, Mexico, Colombia … to name a few places with some pretty impressive mountains. Still, we thoroughly enjoyed the scenic drive to Gardner where we would be staying.
After checking into our hotel, we still had a few hours of daylight left and decided to check out as much of Yellowstone as we could. Dan had studied maps, guides, and information on the Internet … and he had a plan.
At the park entrance we were greeted by a friendly park ranger who answered the few remaining questions Dan had. The ranger then warned us to be careful on certain mountain roads that still had icy spots. Hmmm … that sounded promising! Like there were real mountains ahead.
We. Wanted. Mountains.
And mountains we got!
Stunningly, breathtaking, shockingly beautiful mountains! Every day we found mountains more spectacular than the day before. Not to mention the wild life on those mountains. We saw buffalo, a black bear and a grizzly bear, deer, pronghorn, antelope, elk, moose, and even a bald eagle. We simply ran out of words to describe God’s magnificent display and drove in awe-filled silence.
I began to think about mountains and how God has used them in my life.
When it comes to daily living, I prefer the “flat” road. No crisis. No trials or disasters. No mountains of problems to climb or overcome. I have even been known to say that boredom is highly underrated.
But boredom has certainly not been my lot in life. It started pretty much before I was born – since I was a surprise. My mother was 42 when I was born. And even though I may not have been planned by human heart and mind, I was absolutely planned and wanted by the heart and mind of God.
My father died when I was three years old, and from that point on it seems as if my life has been filled with what I have thought of as mountains to climb – you know, problems to solve, trials to endure, and disasters to survive.
The mountains of Montana gave me a different perspective, a new backdrop for living.
Yes, it is hard to climb the mountains on this treacherous journey called life. But looking back, I realize that the beauty and purpose of the mountain God allows to rise up on my path outweighs the pain and effort it takes to climb that mountain.
And the climb itself is life changing.
With each determined step, I gain a little strength and my focus becomes a little clearer. Distractions fall away and my commitment to know God more grows stronger. The voices that once drowned out His voice grow silent. My heart once again longs for nothing more than to be in God’s perfect will. On the mountain I am desperate for only Him. And there is no better place to be … on my face, helpless in His arms.
With a sigh, I conclude that it doesn’t take as much faith to walk the flat roads of life as it does to climb the mountains. And I wonder … where would I be without my mountains?
Let’s Pray
Father, I come to You with nothing but praise in my heart. Thank You for Your faithfulness as I face and climb the mountains in my life. I want to know You more. I want to trust You more fully even when I don’t fully understand what Your plan is for my life. Today, I lay down my rights and my agenda. I surrender to You, Lord, and praise You for the mountains that draw me closer to You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What mountain are you facing today? Pray Psalm 121 aloud as your prayer of faith. Grab your journal and record your commitment to walk by faith and trust God for the mountain in your life. He is with you!
More from the Girlfriends
Need help learning how to really trust God? Check out Mary’s new book, 10-Day Trust Adventure. It addresses the decisions you will make in every area of life - including your past and future, your family and friendships, your finances and work - and show you how to make those decisions as you step out in faith and really trust God.
Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.
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