1 Jan, 2010

The Climb

Early in December we were challenged to look back on our year. So did you you? Did you answer the questions?  Here they are again ...

  • What was the biggest blessing you saw in 2009?
  • What was a lesson that God taught you through the journey of this past year?
  • What was the hardest part?...the best part?
  • What prayer did God answer?
  • What did He do that builds your faith for what is yet ahead?

Today I will share with you an experience from my year that almost answers every one of these questions ...

In June, our family traveled to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee for a family reunion with my wife's side of the family. While there, the men of the family decided to hike one of the tallest mountains in the park, Mt. LeConte. There were several paths to take to the summit, which stands at 6,593 ft. We chose a 7 mile trek (14 round trip) that took us under one the many waterfalls in the park. The hiking party included my 13 year old son, Josh (seen in the photo enjoying the view), his grandfather, his uncle, and me. 

The first third of the hike wasn't too bad.  We are all feeling pretty good and enjoying the day.  As we neared the top, however, our bodies were rebelling. We felt pain we didn't know we could feel. But the views were breath-taking!  After a short break at the hiker's lodge at the top, we headed back down the mountain, with memories for a lifetime. 

Matthew 21:21-22 (The Message)

 21-22But Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Yes—and if you embrace this kingdom life and don't doubt God, you'll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you'll tell, 'Go jump in the lake,' and it will jump. Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God."

 

What does God's Story teach us about mountains?

Mountains are mentioned many times in God's Story. 
Moses met God face to face on a mountain. 
Jesus was tempted by the devil on a mountain. 
Jesus was transfigured on a mountain. 
Mountains are seen as majestic when we think about God's creation. 
We talk about "mountain top experiences" in terms of times when we feel close to God.  
We call major obstacles in our lives "mountains" because they are so in the way.
Regardless of how you may be looking at "mountains" in your life right now, God wants you to know that He is ready to meet you  right where you are in your life. 

As for how our experience answered those questions ... Our climb was one of the biggest blessings because my son and I experienced it together.  It taught us that we needed to keep pressing on, through the hardest part of the climb in order to experience the view from the top, the best part.  Just like many parts of our journey through this life.

What are your "mountains?"

  • As you took the time to look back on your year, what did you see?  Has it been full of ups and downs in life? Have you experienced blessings and struggles on your journey?  Thank God for both the ups and downs.
  • Are you experiencing a mountain size obstacle in your life right now?  Ask God for the faith to trust Him to move it.
  • Do a search through God's Story about mountains.  Write down what God teaches you in His word.
  • As you look forward into 2010, commit to consistently asking God to work in your life in this next leg of your journey?

 

What are your friends' "mountains?"

  • Ask your friends what their year was like.  Talk about your year with them and share the ways you know that God was working in your life throughout the year.
  • Do you have a friend experiencing a mountain in their life?  Ask them if you can pray with them during this season of their life. 
  • Ask a friend to work with you as you read about mountains in God's Story.  Discuss the many ways that mountains are mentioned in scripture. 
  • Ask your friends what their expectations for 2010 are.  Share with them how you are praying that God will work in your life in 2010.
Permanent Link
Comments

Ornament

The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.