Lately I have felt as if I am attempting to climb a mountain, a massive rock! Everything seems to be uphill, life requiring more of me than I feel I can give. Perhaps you can relate, chest so tight you can hardly breathe, the air seeming so thin. Our son-in-law surprised our daughter, Kelly, for her 30th birthday with a trip to Colorado Springs with the intent of climbing Pikes Peak. The solid mass of rock protruding out of the ground is a magnificent sight outside Colorado Springs, and has been a challenge for many hikers over the years. Rob and Kelly arrived early to get an early start on conquering this mass of rock. Prepared for the climb, fitted with climbing shoes, the proper clothing, knowing it would be cooler than at the top, and water to hydrate their bodies along the way. At first the climb required little effort and little breath. They passed several hikers as they climbed. Chatting along the way; encouraging one another as they climbed higher and higher. Hour after hour they climbed, the scenery becoming more and more breathtaking. Often as they climbed they looked back down the huge rock accessing their progress; never looking up lest they become discouraged. The higher they climbed the thinner the air and the harder it was to breath. Water was their best friend, “stay hydrated,” they were told.
Several years ago, Mark and I were at the Billy Graham Retreat Center for a Worship Seminar. We were given one afternoon off and challenged to climb the mountain behind the Center; we were promised a breathtaking view. We took them up on the challenge, changed our clothes and set out for the climb. We hadn’t brought hiking gear with us, so the climb had to be done in tennishoes, making the rough terrain much more difficult to maneuver. We were told not to set out without water, so we purchased two bottles, loaded the backpack with our water and snacks and set out. As we began the climb I thought, “This is really easy.” We talked with fellow climbers along the way. We stopped periodically to look back down the mountain and access our progress, priding ourselves on the distance covered thus far. The higher we climbed, the rougher the terrain and the more challenging it became to climb. At times the mountain so steep it required Mark to pull or push me in order for me to make it up. Two hours later, the water was gone. What would we do for hydration over the next two hours as we finished the climb upward? We had been told how important it was to stay hydrated as you climbed to higher and higher altitudes, we needed water. Suddenly, we began to notice people stopped along the path bent over retrieving fresh spring water that was flowing down from the mountain; at times no more than a trickle through a cluster of rocks. Oh, it was so cold and refreshing! Just what we needed to nourish us and keep our bodies strengthened for the remainder of the climb. God’s creation and provision such a welcome sight that afternoon.
Rob and Kelly climbed higher and higher; exerting more and more energy and breath, but determined to conquer the mass of rock called Pikes Peak. Continually accessing their progress and stopping to nourish their bodies along the way. Finally, six hours later they arrived at the top- success! They celebrated with fellow hikers the accomplishment of the climb; pictures were taken as they congratulated one another. I am sure at times that day they wondered if they were conquering the mountain or if the mountain was conquering them? Friendships were formed that day on the mountain, the difficulty of the climb drawing them close to one another.
Success! We made it to the top! As we rounded the top of the mountain, there before us the breathtaking view we had been promised. We stood in silence at the end of the long wooden deck that jutted out from the edge of the mountain taking in the beauty before us. Others stood there is silence as well, as we looked down to see the steep climb accomplished that afternoon. Rest came at the top of the mountain, refreshment and a sense of accomplishment. We had made it to the top, the mountain conquered!
In my life, there have been mountains to climb, some physical and some spiritual. At times I have not known if I was conquering the mountain or if the mountain was conquering me. But, as I have been required to climb higher and higher, at times finding it harder and harder to breathe, my strength has been renewed through the refreshment of the Living Water, through the encouragement of fellow hikers and through looking back down at how far I have come. At the present the air is thin, my strength almost depleted, yet I know just around the next climb there will be streams of refreshment for me, giving me strength and hydrating my spirit for the last stretch to the top- success!
Father, I am weary and I am tired, yet I know you have provided fresh streams of Living Water, refreshment for my soul. If I am faithful to the climb there awaits for me a magnificent scene, one never imagined by mankind, one reserved just for me! Thank you that whatever mountain lies before me can be conquered with your divine help. Breathe life into me, restore me that I may be faithful to the climb and arrive at the top changed for all of eternity!
“I look up to the mountains, does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1
“O, God listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” Psalm 61:1-4
Dianne