Facing Impossible Mountains
Recently, we spent several days hiking through the Dolomites in Italy with a group of dear friends. Before scaling these spectacular mountains, I believed I had minimal discomfort with heights. I’ve climbed several mountains before, but this was altogether different. This brought me to the edge of myself.
We navigated slippery boulders, steep inclines, see-through stairs that hung off the mountain's vertical side, and traversed places where clinging to a steel cable was a minute measure of comfort. Narrow paths that wound around the edge of the rugged mountains meant that, in some places, one misstep could result in a one-thousand-foot fall off a sheer cliff into the valley below.I was completely out of my comfort zone.
If all that wasn’t mentally demanding enough, the final hike of the week (meant to be a “little jaunt”), ended up being one of the most challenging few hours of our expeditions. I found myself clinging to loose rocks as I edged along the side of the mountain or using them to boost myself up while trying not to glance at the massive drop-off next to my hiking boots. Amid drizzling rain that made the rocks underfoot slippery and even more hazardous, I reached my limit. Even so, I forced myself to keep going. What choice did I have?
You may not find yourself fearfully clinging to the side of an actual mountain, but don’t some of life's circumstances appear like treacherous mountains? What do we do when the mountains we face seem too large or impossible to scale? How do we keep going when the path seems impossible? Where do we turn when we are weary, afraid, or have reached our limit?
Here are five things to keep in mind when facing seemingly impossible mountains:
We do not have to face mountains alone.
When mountains of trouble rise before us, they can push us to the edge of our own strength. When our circumstances appear hopeless, or our resources grow thin, we may be tempted to become fearful, but God’s word offers us this promise: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). It’s comforting to know that God doesn’t leave us to navigate life’s difficulties alone. He encourages us to be brave, knowing he never leaves us and is always with us. God's reliability and goodness help us remember that we never have to face trials alone.
2. We can pray for help and bring our mountains to God.
Facing or scaling a mountain can make us feel helpless and hopeless, but Jesus reminds us of the power we have through faith in him. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them” (Mark 11:23). Jesus' promise inspires hope and confidence that with God's strength we can believe for change and breakthrough in our circumstances. Our prayers can move mountains.
3. God uses mountains to strengthen and change us.
Mountain climbing is hard. It takes grit and training. Sometimes, when standing at the base of a mountain, it appears too big to scale. Or halfway up, we may be tempted to give up. But listen to what the Bible says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). Mountains have a purpose. They make us persevere through hardship, so we become stronger, wiser, and without lack. We may not always be plucked from off a ragged cliff, but good comes from difficulties and refines us and our faith.
4. God helps us to navigate mountain climbs.
While edging around the side of the mountain, when I was overcome by fear and muttering, “I don’t need this”, I heard my friends’ words of encouragement behind me and in front of me, saying, “You can do this,” “Only a little bit further,” and “You’re nearly there.” They offered their hands to help me even though I was too afraid to grab hold of them. When possible, my husband formed a barrier between me and the drop-off. He stayed by my side, assuring me I would be okay.
In the same way, God encourages, helps, and guides us to navigate life’s mountains. When we are tempted to give up or go our own way, He offers a gentle course correction: “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21). When we cling to the outstretched hand of God, we find help to navigate the climb. Trusting his guidance can kindle confidence and foster patience as we take one step at a time, knowing he is leading us through.
5. God brings us to the summit where the view is incredible.
Several years ago, I faced a health mountain that brought me to the end of my strength and my reserves to fix it. After two painful years, through prayer, God's word, strength and guidance, and the help of others, I overcame the mountain and found healing. Having scaled it, I grew closer to God and trusted him on a new level.Things appeared a lot different afterwards. My perspective had drastically changed.
However challenging, mountains can draw us closer to the One who never leaves us and helps us confront and conquer them. Once we scale them, we can better see things from God's vantage point. From there, our troubles aren’t as troubling. Both our view and our faith is expanded. We grow in confidence for the next time we face a hard climb and trust he will help us.
The next time you find yourself facing a mountain—or clinging to its side for dear life—remember that God is with you and has promised never to leave you. He helps you conquer them and strengthens you during the ascent. He shows you the way and leads you to stunning views.
In the end, we learn that impossible mountains are not our undoing or something to fear or avoid; instead, they are another way we are strengthened, formed into Christ’s likeness, and learn greater trust in the One we declare to follow.
