“Jesus said, ‘Did I not say that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’” (John 11:40 [NASB])
We say we believe in Jesus and have faith that God will take
care of us. We spend times in quiet on the mountain communing with and
listening to God. Then, the day arrives when we must go back down to the
valley, the world in which we live, and do just that, live our earthly life.
Oh, it would be phenomenal to live on the mountain with God all our earthly
days, but what good would that do? What glory would that bring to God? Our
praise of God would be the only voice heard by Him if we did not leave the mountain.
When we return to the valley and proclaim the Lord, Jesus
Christ, the Savior who died to save us from sin, then others can hear and will
come to know Him as their own Savior. More voices will be raise praise to God and
glorify Him. Our mountaintop experiences are wonderful and sought. We should
spend time with God there to rejuvenate our spirits and body and reconnect on a
deeper level with the Lord. That doesn’t mean we can only spend time with God
on the mountain.
Still, while in the valley proclaiming the Lord, answering
people’s questions about Him and His salvation, we will also experience
difficulties-trials, persecutions, and hatred. Will our time on the mountain
sustain us through these difficulties? Will the growth we had while on the
mountain keep us trusting God? Or, will the faith we proclaim not remain strong
and our testimony of His faithfulness, love, and mercy falter as we wade and
gasp in the raging waters of the storm?
What we learn with God on the mountain will be made stronger
through the fires of trials. Or it could if we maintain our trust in Him.
Our situations are not beyond God’s ability to handle.
God’s abilities are beyond our understanding.
Situations do not define God. God
defines situations.
He is all-powerful.
Don’t let your limited perspective keep you from trusting in
the limitless strength and power of faithful God.
Had it not been the LORD who was on our side, let Israel now say,‘Had it not been the LORD who was on our side when men rose up against us,then they would have swallowed us alive, when their anger was kindled against us;then the waters would have engulfed us, the stream would have swept over our soul;then the raging waters would have swept over our soul.’Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth.Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper;the snare is broken, and we have escaped.Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 124 [NASB])
Lord, I love spending
time with You. I don’t want to leave, but eventually You push me like a chick
from a nest to return to the world and work. Fires and storms arise while I am
in the valley and at times seem to overwhelm me. I feel like I am barely standing
against the onslaught. Lord, help me remember You are my refuge and strength. Just
because I am not on the mountaintop with You does not mean You aren’t in the
valley with me. Help me seek You. Use me to proclaim Your greatness and fame so
others will come to know You. Keep me strong for Your glory so others can see You
and will seek to follow You, too. Keep my mind from small things and instead
stay focused on You, great God of unfathomable power, love, and grace. You will
never let me fall. I can rest in You. I love You, Lord. Amen.
