On Top of the World

One of the cool experiences during our recent leadership retreat was hiking up a mountain.  At the top, while catching our breath and taking in the spectacular view, we talked about what God revealed to us through the climb.  I loved how the Lord spoke to each of us uniquely - into our own hearts, about our own circumstances, appreciating how wonderfully different we are.  And as we shared, He also knitted us together as a team, revealing even more of Himself to us.

Pressing On

The Lord showed us how the climb was a lot like life.  Easy paths can quickly become difficult terrain, but as we press on one step at a time we get through the prickly shrubs, over the steep rocks and back to even ground.  Scrapes and bruises heal, and through the grace of God we’re stronger for the road ahead.  Plus from the top looking back, we realize just how beautiful the journey was – something difficult to recognize en route dodging thorns, stones and the occasional Cobra (yes, Cobra!).  Keep pressing on towards the goal, the rewards will be worth it! Philippians 3:12-14. 

Pressing Together

The Lord also taught us about teamwork – working together in strength and weakness, leveraging our unique gifts, and encouraging one another.  We started off energized, laughing, talking and singing.  But as the sun beat down and the path became more difficult and then disappeared completely, we grew weary.  Had any of us been hiking alone, we might have been tempted to turn around.  After all, the base of the mountain was quite lovely.  The middle of the mountain had a great view.  There were so many points where we could have justified giving up and feeling satisfied.  But as a team, we urged each other on, lending a hand or encouragement when needed.  And we all made it to the top, some of us having never hiked up such a mountain before.  We’re definitely stronger together than alone.  Romans 15:5-6. Philippians 2:1-2.

Being Impressed

It’s pretty impressive to be able to see for miles and miles in every direction.  Through the beautiful 360-degree panorama, God also spoke about perspective – training ourselves to see things from His point of view, through the lens of His divine sovereignty, power, providence and character.

When were tempted to feel small, insignificant, like what we do or who we are doesn’t matter, we need to remember that God created us for a plan and purpose.  Each of us is uniquely called, uniquely qualified, and uniquely equipped for God’s bigger picture.  Jeremiah 29:11  Romans 8:28. 

When we’re tempted to feel big, self-righteous, self-important, doing things our own way, or even mired down in our own circumstances, we need to humble ourselves before our Creator.  It’s when we humble ourselves that God lifts us up.  1 Peter 5:6.  Philippians 2:3-5.

The Lord speaks in so many amazing ways and this time it was through His Creation.  All we have to do is look and listen…My prayer for all of us.