Life is much like climbing a mountain and we can learn a lot from those who aspire to reach the highest peaks.
During our life’s journey, we will often ask the question, “Why God?” It seems as if we want Him to give us an itinerary in advance, with a heads up on any pitfalls up ahead. We want our journey to be smooth sailing and failure-free. Yet that’s not always the case. Take the example of a mountain climber who faces many challenges.
Climbers pursue different trails with all kinds of ups and downs. How do they keep on going when their path is sometimes difficult if not impossible? How do they handle tough terrain and slopes that rise and fall? How do they cope in changing weather conditions and when breathing becomes difficult?
It is not just because they are prepared and capable. Mostly it’s because they have their eye on reaching the top. They see the destination as worth the difficulty. When they are up on the highest peaks looking down, they can see how worthwhile their journey has been. The view is breathtaking, the air is fresh and the feeling is exhilarating.
So what can we learn from climbing a mountain successfully? Three points come to mind…
1. Take what is only needed
Excess baggage slows our pace. In life, stresses, problems and challenges can easily weigh us down and make our journey that much harder. Where should we leave all these extras then? In 1 Peter 5:7 we read, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” God doesn’t want us to be overburdened. He wants us to leave our burdens at the foot of the Cross.
2. Make sure you’re in good company
You can go alone but as the saying goes, “No man is an island”. If the journey is long, a great companion will be a huge help, especially if they know what they are doing. As it says in Proverbs 13:20, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
No one desires to be harmed along the way, so choose someone who will lift you up and not pull you down. Take heed of this verse in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
3. Always walk with God
There is no better way to appreciate God’s creation than with God Himself. Walking with the Lord certainly gives you the assurance that your journey will be successful. God says in His Word in Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Life is best described from a trekker’s perspective where the journey is long and hard yet the destination is great. With the right weight of baggage, good company and by walking with God – the trek will not only be bearable but hugely enjoyable! Embrace the abundant life God has for you today.
