Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand on top of a beautiful mountain peak? I think you would almost feel as though you were on top of the world!
I have climbed many mountains, and walked many mountain trails on the myPhotoWalk treks; Zion, Bryce, and Glacier National Parks come to mind. There is the exhilaration and anticipation of discovery on each adventure – incredible surprises out in God's magnificent creation.
Life carries a similar sense of adventure when you are walking closely with the Lord, following His lead on the journey.
Even on difficult days, you have the assurance of His presence, purpose, plan, and power. You may face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and still there is hope, because He is the God of the impossible. He can do anything. He is even able to move mountains and create something out of nothing.
So you can dare to soar the heights, risk the impossible, and brave the elements.
With God "all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).
However, there is something in us that becomes afraid, discouraged, and downcast in the heat of difficult days. There are times when we just plain feel like giving up. We become brokenhearted and even disillusioned at times.
Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet experienced these same challenges.
I have been studying Jeremiah these days and there was a time when he was extremely frustrated with his life. He complained to God. He asked, "Why has the way of the wicked prospered" (Jeremiah 12:1)? He couldn't understand how their hypocrisy went seemingly unpunished and they seemed to flourish.
God responded with some very powerful words for Jeremiah: "So, Jeremiah, if you're worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses" (Jeremiah 12:5 The Message).
These words from God show that He is always aware of our challenging circumstances and He is working out His plan and purpose in our lives when everything is seemingly against us. He is making us strong. And He is growing us into His faithful servants. He loves us too much to not work in our lives. And yes, He even delights in us though we may not realize it. We are the apple of His eye and He holds us close to His heart.
I love how Eugene Peterson puts it in his book, Run With The Horses. Here's how he explains the meaning of those words from God. And there is so much wrapped up in that one simple statement from the Lord. It's as though God is saying to Jeremiah —
Life is difficult, Jeremiah. Are you going to quit at the first wave of opposition? Are you going to retreat when you find that there is more to life than finding three meals a day and a dry place to sleep at night? Are you going to run home the minute you find that the mass of men and women are more interested in keeping their feet warm than in living at risk to the glory of God. Are you going to live cautiously or courageously? I called you to live at your best, to pursue righteousness, to sustain a drive toward excellence. It is easier, I know, to be neurotic. It is easier to be parasitic. It is easier to relax in the embracing arms of The Average. Easier, but not better. Easier, but not more significant. Easier, but not more fulfilling. I called you to a life of purpose far beyond what you think yourself capable of living and promised you adequate strength to fulfill your destiny. Now at the first sign of difficult you're ready to quit. If you are fatigued with this run-of-the-mill crowd of apathetic mediocrities, what will you do when the real race starts, the race with the swift and determined horses of excellence? What is it you really want, Jeremiah? Do you want to shuffle along with this crowd, or run with the horses?
Run With The Horses by Eugene Peterson
Peterson goes on to say that Jeremiah's answer was biographical because he responded to God's words with his life. "I'm going to run with horses."
We, too, must respond to God's words with our very lives. The Lord calls us to follow Him. And there will be tribulation along the way, enough sometimes, to tempt us to give up (John 16:33).
Just remember, it's never too late to take flight and climb the mountain.
Let us be brave and courageous, and dare to soar the heights with our Lord.
Carry with you the promise of Isaiah 40:31 —
Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:31
I remember standing outside a meeting room at Tahquitz Pines Conference Center, Idyllwild CA where I was speaking for a retreat. Tahquitz Peak is a granite, 8,846-foot-tall rock formation located on the high western slope of the San Jacinto mountain range west of Palm Springs and Palm Desert where I live. That photo shoot I spent some time capturing images of the late afternoon light shining on Tahquitz Peak. It was so beautiful to watch the light move through the trees and light up the mountain. For a brief moment, I imagined what it would be like to scale that mountain and stand on top looking at all God had created.
With God, we can mount up with wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31) and be "surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights" (Habakkuk 3:19).
So, dear friend, soar the heights with your Lord. Dare to draw near to Him. He stands at the door and knocks. Talk with Him, fellowship with Him, and walk with Him. Watch eagerly and see what the Lord will do. You will have magnificent views and extraordinary adventures.
Dear Lord, thank You for inspiring us to soar the heights with You and for giving us everything we need for the journey. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Blessings ♡ Grace
