“But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin” (2 Chronicles 12:1 NLT).
We made it. A seven-mile winding drive. A cliff-top parking lot. A strong breeze. A paved, but very steep, path. A half-mile trek.
Clingman’s Dome was a sight to behold, or would have been had it not been for the heavy cloud cover resting over the top of the mountain. The highest point we’d ever been. The greatest altitude we’d ever experienced. The hardest hike we’d ever panted through.
And then? Well, then it hit us—we had to hike back. Sure, down is easier than up, but it’s still tough when you’re lacking mountain-goat characteristics.
Life’s like that, too. We’re not intended for mountain-top residency. The top of the heap is not where we can do the most ministering. Above the clouds is not necessarily closer to God. Higher doesn’t always make like easier.
Mountains are places where we must remain most on guard. The highest of heights require that we be careful—very, very careful.
Where are you right now? Struggling? Keep praying. Holding your own? Sorry to hear it, but keep praying. Celebrating on a mountaintop? Yeah for you and God—but continue in prayer.
Pray that you remain committed to Him, dependent upon Him, trusting in Him. And pray for those you’re leading up or down the mountain.
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray strength and growth for new believers in Home Missions churches throughout North America.
